Lock out lifted in Synovate call centre dispute

The lock out of union members at the Synovate market research call centre in south east Auckland was lifted this morning with the company and union agreeing to pay rises and improvements in conditions for union members.  

The dispute was resolved late last night at a mediation session.

Pay rises will amount to $1 an hour on top of paid rates, that currently start at $12.50. Union members who have shifts cancelled by the company will be paid for that shift if the employer does not give them at least twelve hours notice.

The improvements in wages and conditions were won by union members standing strong during the five day lock out. The lock out followed six months of negotiations as part of the Calling for Change campaign, a joint effort to improve wages and conditions in call centres between the Unite Union and the National Union of Workers in Australia.

“Our struggle was about living wages and about respect. It took five days, but in the end we won both,” said Synovate worker and Unite Union delegate Maria Evaroa.

“Thanks to all those who gave donations and supported union members during this lock out. Workers stood up for justice and won,” said Matt McCarten, General Secretary of the Unite Union.

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