Atlas workers down tools

November 20, 2007

Media Release

Atlas workers down tools

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members working at Atlas Specialty Engineering in Auckland downed tools this afternoon following the company’s repeated refusal to make them a decent offer.

The 25 workers represent the bulk of the workforce at the company’s East Tamaki and Onehunga sites and they have been trying for the last two months to negotiate to keep their week’s service leave.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the extra week’s leave has always been a recognition of service and loyalty.

“These workers have up to thirty years’ service with this business and provide expertise and understanding to the company that ensures it runs well. The least they can expect in return is to have that loyalty recognised with an offer of service leave.

“Given the fact Atlas is a large Australian-owned company we believe they are more than able to provide these workers with a fair leave entitlement but it seems they’d rather not. Taking away service leave is a pretty big attack on these workers’ loyalty.”

Members will be meeting tomorrow morning to discuss further industrial action.

ENDS

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