Bidvest deliveries to stop as workers take action

Drivers and store workers at the South African-owned food distribution company Bidvest are taking strike action as the company refuses to negotiate a wage increase for workers in the Hawkes Bay.

Approximately 15 workers responsible for around 80% of the company’s deliveries in the Hawkes Bay region will take a series of strike actions over the coming weeks.

“These drivers and storeman work their guts out for this company and they deserve a pay rise to reflect that,” said FIRST Union organiser Mike McNab.

This action is the latest in a string of industrial disputes at the company. In December the company sought an injunction from the Employment Relations Authority to prevent their Waikato staff from engaging in a pre-Christmas strike.

“Only last week the South African parent company was boasting about how it expects to announce a healthy profit soon. Well, it’s the Bidvest workforce that creates the profit, surely they’re entitled to a decent pay rise in recognition of the work they do to grow the company.”

The action is likely to affect supply to local cafés and restaurants and the workers are planning protest action outside clients of the company in and around Napier and Hastings.

ENDS

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