95% of EPMU members get pay rise in 2009

December 9, 2009
Media Release

95% of EPMU members get pay rise in 2009

An EMA survey claiming more than half of New Zealand’s workers received no pay increase this year shows why New Zealanders need to join their unions, says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

Despite the EMA’s figures, 95% of EPMU members who have negotiated collective agreements since January have had a pay increase, with an average increase of 2.4%.

Nearly all EPMU members who negotiated multi-year deals prior to 2009 have also had pay increases this year.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the figures show the benefit of joining a union.

“The EMA survey shows that once again more than half of New Zealand’s workers have missed out on a pay rise which means they effectively took a pay cut after the increased cost of living is taken into account.

“By comparison our members are regularly negotiating pay increases above the cost of living and also improving their conditions.

“While some are claiming the latest EMA survey indicates the effects of the recession the truth is that every year around half of Kiwi workers miss out on pay rises regardless of whether it’s a boom or bust economy.

“The fact is joining a union is the only way most workers can ensure they maintain and improve the real value of their income year on year.

“The circumstances have never justified an across the board pay freeze and most businesses have accepted that even a modest inflation adjustment is warranted.”

The EPMU is New Zealand’s largest private sector union, representing 45,000 New Zealanders across eleven industries.

ENDS

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