Christmas gift for Locked-out families
National Distribution Union
Tuesday, December 12, 2006 1pm
Continuing donations a christmas gift for Locked-out families
The National Distribution Union will distribute continuing donations to previously locked out Progressive workers as a xmas gift for their families today at 3.30pm at 80 Favona Rd in Mangere, Auckland.
After being locked out for 25 days over the right to bargain nationally, the Progressive distribution workers who supply Countdown, Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets won pay rises of up to 20% over three years with equal pay for equal work after two years at the distribution centres in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch.
National Secretary Laila Harré said that the union had received $423,000 including $72,000 in the time since the dispute ended.
“Many of the Progressive distribution workers are still suffering financially months after Progressive locked their families out of work,” she said. “The workers are grateful for the continuing support from the public, community groups and other unions which means that the workers and their families will receive a $100 present from their supporters for Christmas.”
Ms Harré said that members are particularly grateful to the Maritime Union whose ships are returning to port for the first time with donations collected during the dispute.
Just last week Maritime Union members from Lyttelton made a further donation of $3,000.
ENDS