Author: E tū

National to blame for Kiwibank changes

Posted on November 22, 2018 by - Communications

E tū sympathises with community concerns over the loss of Kiwibank branches – an issue with obvious implications for our Kiwibank and Post members.

Union Industry Coordinator, Joe Gallagher says the union is working with Kiwibank to minimise job losses as Post ejects Kiwibank from its sites and franchises out postal services.

“Our primary concern is that members are able to transfer within the new structure or to exit with dignity. It’s about minimising job losses,” he says.

However, he says it needs to be recognised that these are changes forced by the previous National Government.

“The National Govt set this pathway five years ago when it changed its Deed of Understanding with NZ Post, allowing it to close post shops, which hosted Kiwibank branches.”

He says he understands why local politicians might react to bank closures on behalf of their constituents, “but it’s a bit rich when one of them is National MP, Nick Smith whose government set this up,” he says.

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Joe Gallagher E tū Industry Coordinator ph. 027 591 0015

Second strike by E tū Sistema members

Posted on November 22, 2018 by - Manufacturing and food

E tū members at Sistema have taken strike action this morning, walking off the job at the giant Auckland plastics factory at 11am.

The strike follows a walk-out by nightshift union members from 11pm on Tuesday as workers take action over low pay and poor conditions – issues the company won’t budge on.

Striking workers will be picketing at the plant this morning and available for media to speak to.

“It’s a hard thing for these workers to take this action, especially so close to Christmas. They work hard for the money,” says E tū Lead Organiser, Mat Danaher.

“But they are determined to win a better deal for themselves and their colleagues and are prepared to make sacrifices to do that,” he says.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Mat Danaher E tū Lead Organiser ph. 021 336 519

Picket:

Where: Sistema Plastics 221 Ihumatao Road, Mangere

When: from 11am –

 

 

 

Night-time strike at Sistema

Posted on November 21, 2018 by - Manufacturing and food

 

E tū members working at Sistema Plastics in Auckland walked out at 11pm last night in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Sistema workers have been negotiating with their employer since February, with the aim of getting more than the minimum wage.

Sistema worker Maria Latu says, “We don’t want to strike, but we know our employer does not value us.

“We work long hours for just above the minimum wage. We get sick, we don’t spend enough time with our families, and our bosses just tell us to go and work somewhere else if we don’t like it.”

E tū Campaign Lead Mat Danaher says that Sistema have driven their workers to take drastic steps by refusing to listen to them.

“Sistema make millions selling their products all round the world. They are a well-known Kiwi brand, sold last year for $600 million, and yet they refuse to recognise the worth of their workers.”

“We’re sick of it,” says Maria. “My colleagues have had enough, we are prepared to stand up to have a chance at a decent life.”

“It’s about time Sistema came to the table and gave their staff an offer that will make a big difference to their lives, but which will be tiny drop in the ocean when it comes to their profit,” says Mat.

ENDS

More information contact:

Mat Danaher E tū ph. 021336519

 

 

E tū welcomes Pike River re-entry

Posted on November 14, 2018 by - Engineering, Infrastructure, and Extractions

E tū has welcomed the decision to proceed with the re-entry of the Pike River mine drift in a bid to uncover the cause of death of the 29 men who died there in November 2010.

The Minister in charge of the re-entry effort, Andrew Little made the announcement this morning, together with some of the Pike River families, E tū officials, police, and members of the Pike River Recovery Agency.

“This is a major victory for the families and their supporters who fought hard for this outcome, which we hope will further illuminate the cause of this tragedy which cost the lives of 29 workers,” says Paul Tolich, E tū Senior Industrial Officer.

“The more we know, the more we can plan to protect lives in high-risk industries,” he says.

“For the families, it holds the hope of closure and it is a milestone in the campaign for justice.

“It is also important for health and safety and the prevention of deaths on the job. All workers have the right to return home to their families at the end of the working day.

“The union also congratulates Andrew Little, the Minister responsible for the Pike River entry, who has shown fine leadership in carrying this task through to fruition.

“Although she is no longer with us, Helen Kelly has also been vindicated in her support for the families and the fight to re-enter the mine.

“This also shows what can be achieved by those who battle for a just outcome. The families have shown that if you campaign long enough and your cause is just, you can achieve success despite the naysayers who told the families they were wasting their time.

“When you have a government determined to do the right thing, you can achieve an outcome that serves justice and vindicates the families’ long years of struggle.

“This is yet again another example where the Labour/NZ First government has fulfilled the promises made on the campaign trail.”

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Paul Tolich E tū Senior Industrial Officer ph. 027 593 5595

 

Big fine after worker caught in press

Posted on October 31, 2018 by - Engineering, Infrastructure, and Extractions

31 October 2018

MEDIA RELEASE

Big fine after worker caught in press

E tū has welcomed the big fine handed down to Carter Holt Harvey LVL plant at Ruakaka in Northland after a member was seriously injured in October 2016.

Steven Vincent had his chest and shoulder crushed, suffering multiple fractures, lacerations and lung injuries after his body became trapped in a conveyor belt at the plant.

A WorkSafe investigation found the LVL press machine wasn’t guarded, in breach of the company’s health and safety procedures.

In the District Court in Whangarei today, CHH LVL Ruakaka was ordered to pay Mr Vincent $55,000 in reparations, and fined $371,000 plus costs.

E tū organiser, Annie Tothill says the judge said he had taken into account the fact that there were more than 26 previous cases involving Carter Holt Harvey, some involving a lack of guarding, which in this case added another $60,000 to the fine.

“This was essential guarding,” says Annie.

“Steve was putting his body at risk.  His whole body went into the press. Not only was there inadequate guarding: there was no guarding at all.”

Annie says the fine sends a message that workplaces must be safe and that a failure to meet basic safety requirements is unacceptable.

“Steve has suffered months of agony and recovery from his injuries – he’s only recently had more surgery for the lung damage caused by this terrible accident and may require more,” says Annie.

“He is lucky to be alive.”

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Annie Tothill E tū organiser ph. 027 573 4934

 

Workers to picket Sistema

Posted on October 25, 2018 by - Manufacturing and food

From 5am to 9am tomorrow, Sistema E tū members and supporters will picket outside the plant to highlight problems caused by Sistema’s low pay and poor working conditions.

There will also be a sausage sizzle, with other workers and members of community groups also attending to show their support.

Most workers at Sistema are on the minimum wage, working 60 hours a week.

“Production has recently ramped up, but a revolving door of staff shows workers are increasingly unwilling to put up with the long hours and poor pay,” says Mat Danaher, E tū Campaign Lead Organiser.

“New staff are starting every day and then leaving as soon as they can,” says Sistema worker and E tū delegate, Sesilia Williams.

“Sometimes they just drive off at the first break, not even telling anyone they’re going,” she says.

“They get here and soon realise they’re not able to handle the work or hours, and the pay doesn’t make it worth their while. They would rather take their chance that there is another job out there.

“Meanwhile, the high turnover is putting greater pressure on the workers who stay to pick up the slack and fill those Christmas orders,” says Sesilia.

Mat says Sistema refuses to learn the lesson that it has much to gain from providing decent, well-paid job with reasonable hours.

“Other New Zealand companies have realised that taking care of their staff makes their businesses more productive, as well as being of benefit to their workers. Sistema needs to take that on board.

“Workers there have had enough, and this picket and sausage sizzle is a way for them to show their frustration, blow off a little steam, and enjoy the company of other people who will be joining them to show their support,” says Mat.

ENDS

For more information or to speak with workers, contact:

Mat Danaher E tū Campaign Lead Organiser ph. 021 336 519

Open letter presented to Sistema CEO

Posted on October 19, 2018 by - Manufacturing and food

At midday today, Sistema workers, together with community leaders and local and national politicians will present Sistema CEO Drew Muirhead with thousands of open letters, urging the company to improve the pay and conditions of its workers.

E tū says it’s a strong message from the public to Sistema, which the union understands is struggling to find staff after revelations of the low pay and long hours.

At Sistema, most members earn the minimum wage and are required to work a 60-hour week.

E tū organiser, Fala Haulangi says a widely circulated photo of the burnt and blistered hands of a Sistema worker has also exposed the poor working conditions.

“People who work at Sistema often leave work exhausted and in tears,” says Fala.

“However, our members are buoyed by the support they’ve had from the many thousands of people who have signed these letters.”

Fala says the union believes the sweatshop conditions may now be affecting production and that it has been told Sistema is 50 workers short of what’s needed.

“We’ve told Sistema something has to be done, and it looks like workers are voting with their feet,” she says.

“This is their busy season, but we’ve heard machines are sitting idle which need to be operating to fill orders. Drew Muirhead needs to know there is a cost to the low pay and long hours.”

Delegates at the plant agree.

“If they want to hire more people, they’re going to have to improve wages and conditions,” says E tū delegate and Sistema worker, Maria Latu.

“Because now, people hate coming to work. They say it is like working in a jail. The CEO needs to think about that and do something, or he’ll turn around and there won’t be anyone there.”

ENDS

What: presentation of open letters, calling on Sistema to improve wages and conditions

When: midday, Friday 19:  everyone meets at 11.45am in the Sistema carpark.

Who: Sistema union members and delegates; MP Marama Davidson; Auckland councillor, Josephine Bartley; community leaders including churches and migrant union, Migrante.

Where: Sistema, 221 Ihumatao Road, Mangere, Auckland

For further information, contact:

Mat Danaher Campaign Lead organiser E tū ph. 021 336 519

 

 

Blue Star workers on strike!

Posted on October 10, 2018 by - Communications

 

E tū members at Blue Star Group’s four print shops are on a 24-hour strike today, which began at 12:01am this morning.

The workers are taking industrial action after months of very little progress in their employment agreement negotiations. Their agreement expired last year.

Blue Star won’t budge on several unreasonable demands, such as wanting the ability to change shifts without the agreement of affected workers.

Communications Industry Coordinator Joe Gallagher says that’s not good enough.

“Job security and the ability to plan your life around work are key conditions that Blue Star workers both need and deserve,” Joe says.

“There are challenges facing the print sector here and internationally, but that’s no excuse to force workers to accept precarious conditions. So they won’t – and that’s why they are on strike today.

“Employment relationships are a two-way street. Workers wanting continued certainty around their ability to reject shift changes that interfere with their lives is completely reasonable.”

The company is also demanding that workers declare any secondary employment they have, which Joe says is a breach of their right to privacy.

“If a worker needs to pick up a few shifts somewhere else to make ends meet, how is that any of Blue Star’s business? What workers do on their own time shouldn’t factor here.

“Blue Star’s demands clearly demonstrate that their attitude towards their workforce is pretty grim. The company wants all the flexibility and information at their end, without giving a stuff about the workers and their right to organise their own lives.

“Today’s strike action is an escalation after months of failed negotiations, and we are sending a clear message: Come back to the table with reasonable demands, because we won’t stand down.”

ENDS

For more info and comment:
Joe Gallagher, 027 591 0015