Maritime Union backs distribution workers battle

The Maritime Union is supporting locked out members of the National Distribution Union at Progressive Enterprises sites in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch.

Maritime Union General Secretary Trevor Hanson says the Union has committed itself to financial, practical and moral support for the workers and their pickets.

He says the situation is a serious one because it showed how multinational corporates in New Zealand are determined to create a low-wage economy.

"It's just a game for the management who get paid fat salaries - and can afford full page ads - but it is the low paid workers in this battle who are putting themselves on the line to ensure a decent income for their families."

Mr Hanson says low pay and casualized jobs are a serious problem in New Zealand, with many families struggling to pay for rising housing, transport and food costs.

"The Maritime Union offers its solidarity and support to these workers."

ENDS

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