12 February, 2016

Union Rat to Visit Nelson Foodstuffs Stores

The giant union rat will make an appearance at pickets organised by FIRST Union at the Nelson New World and Richmond Pak n Save this weekend.

Nelson-based FIRST Union organiser Rachel Boyack says the union has been trying to negotiate collective agreements at both stores but they refuse to bargain over pay rates which are a fundamental part of any collective agreement.

“These two stores have made no attempt to bargain with the union in good faith. Instead they have played silly games with us. They say South Island workers should not be paid as much as those in the North Island because it is a different market.

"They know that the union has collective agreements with the same pay rates for workers in both the North and South Islands in nearly all the major retail chains but insist there is some special little market that applies only to them.

"This is their excuse for paying substantially less than their competitors throughout the country and unionised Foodstuffs stores in the North Island.

“It seems the whole Foodstuffs group in the South Island is opposed to bargaining over pay and their franchise holders in the Pak n Save and New World stores in Nelson are holding the line.

“It is farcical to pretend to bargain with the union but refuse to negotiate pay rates. They seem to think they are somehow exempt from the standards of behaviour and the employment law that applies to all other employers.

Rachel Boyack says both stores' owners show a callous disregard for the well-being of their workers.

“For example the union raised the issue of young workers on 90 day trials at Richmond Pak n Save being bullied by managers who make constant reminders they could be sacked for no reason at any time. Richmond Pak n Save responded by saying they think it is a good thing if young workers are scared.

“What kind of employer thinks it is good to have its workers living in fear?”

Rachel Boyack says this is the first time the union rat will visit the South Island and it is sure to draw the attention of shoppers at the Richmond Mall and at the New World in Nelson.

The pickets will be held at:

Nelson New World

Saturday 13 February 11.30 am – 12.30 pm

Sunday 14 February 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm

Richmond Pak n Save

Saturday 13 February 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm

Sunday 14 February 11.30am – 12.30 pm

ends

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