Workers Impacted By Gas Leak Should Not Be Disadvantaged

The Service and Food Workers Union Ngā Ringa Tota has been deluged with calls from workers whose jobs are affected by the New Plymouth gas leak.

“Thousands of our members are employed in large food processing factories like Griffins and Bluebird in the upper North Island,” said SFWU food industry leader Chas Muir.

“Our members throughout the area are very concerned about any possibility of losing pay.”

Chas Muir said the SFWU was advising members that they should not be disadvantaged by the leak and should not lose any pay.

“We are advising members that any good employer will have insurance cover and the onus is on the employer to do the right thing,” he said.

“We are advising our members that if they are ready and willing to work it is the employer’s responsibility to pay them.”

Chas Muir said the union’s members could not afford to lose any pay at all, especially at a time of the year when expenses where high.

“Our members need every single day’s pay to make ends meet,” he said.

Chas Muir said the union was advising members they should not be taking annual leave.

“Dealing with this is the employer’s responsibility,” he said. “If there is a shortfall then government will need to step in and provide assistance.”

Chas Muir said the SFWU supported efforts by the NZCTU to work with the relevant government agencies.

ENDS

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