Amcor lockout opportunistic attack on Kiwi workers

November 16, 2009
Media Release

Amcor lockout “opportunistic attack” on Kiwi workers

This morning’s lockout of 66 Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members by Amcor is an opportunistic attack designed to drive down terms and conditions despite the company making profits of more than $46m last year says the EPMU

The Australian-owned company, which makes aluminium beverage cans, locked members out this morning after they voted to reject an offer that contained cuts to breaks and staffing levels worth 11% of wages and signalled their intention to strike.

EPMU lead organiser Cliff Gunning says the company is trying it on.

“Despite being a profitable company that is doing very well out of its New Zealand operations, Amcor has decided to try to squeeze out more dollars at the expense of its Kiwi workers and then gone off the deep-end when they’ve been told no.

“The company’s offered a pay rise but also tried to cut breaks and reduce minimum staffing at the same time which means our members would be taking an overall cut and they aren’t willing to wear that. That’s why they rejected the offer.

“Just last month it was announced that Amcor’s CEO had his pay hiked to eight million dollars and the Aussie executive gave themselves an eleven percent pay increase but they still think they can demand cuts from their Kiwi workers and lock them out when they refuse them.

“This is an opportunistic attack and our members will be fighting it.”

EPMU members are currently picketing Amcor’s Manukau plant.

ENDS

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