Major stationery provider agrees to talks following week-long strike action

Yet another company has returned to the negotiation table following strike action taken by working people, the latest of which is one of New Zealand’s major stationery brands; Winc New Zealand.

Half of workers at its Auckland distribution centre were onto their fifth day of strike action this morning when the company finally agreed on a mediation date to meet workers. Winc had been refusing to listen to workers concerns and refusing to agree to requested mediation dates. The purpose of the talks is to come to an agreement on a collective contract. (Workers are not on strike at the Wellington and Christchurch centres). The company has sold twice within the last 12 months and has been continually offering individual contracts with no protections for workers who may be made redundant. Staff are on rates close to the minimum wage.

FIRST Union Organiser Hayley Courtney says it’s still a dragged out process.

“It shouldn’t take a week-long strike to get the employer to the table to negotiate.”

Ms Courtney says it’s a newly organised site because workers were not being listened to.

“We were concerned the company was using delay tactics to avoid having a collective agreement at its site. We are now thankful the company has agreed to meet.”

She says the minimal rates are impacting the worker’s wellbeing.

“They can’t afford to top up their phones to keep in touch with family, to pay for gas to get to work and many are trying to support young children.”

“The company has a responsibility to value its workers’ skills and experience. Pay rates and protection clauses in employment agreements have real-life ramifications for people.”

ENDS

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