To members at Pact Packaging Wellington,
Members were recently asked to vote on whether your site should become an original party to the Plastics Multi Employer Collective Agreement (MECA).
The ballot results were:
- Turnout: 40%
- In favour: 95%
- Against: 0%
- Abstain: 5%
E tū members across all existing MECA sites also voted strongly in favour of including Alto Plastics Wellington as an original party to the agreement.
Following the outcome of all ballots, E tū formally initiated bargaining last week for:
- Iplex Pipelines NZ Limited
- Marley New Zealand Limited
- RX Plastics Limited
- Dynex Extrusions Limited
- Alto Plastics Limited (operating as Pact Packaging)
How is this different from previous bargaining?
Previously, your site was a subsequent party to the MECA. This meant your employer did not participate directly in bargaining, but the negotiated terms and conditions were extended to you. In addition to the MECA, we also bargained separately with Alto for a site-specific variation.
Becoming an original party means your employer participates directly in industry-wide bargaining as part of the MECA.
Why were members not offered a site-specific or employer-specific collective agreement?
E tū’s direction and priorities are determined through our member-led democratic structures, including our biennial Conference.
In 2025, Conference endorsed a focus on consolidating bargaining where possible. From there, our Food & Manufacturing Industry Council has led work on industry plans aimed at lifting standards across the sector, including expanding coverage of MECAs to strengthen Decent Work standards.
Bargaining collectively through a MECA enables us to shape standards across the industry. Alto/ Pact Packaging are an important part of the plastics sector, and maintaining their participation in the MECA is strategically significant.
Consolidated bargaining also allows the union to use time and resources more effectively, strengthening outcomes for members overall.
Why has the employer initiated bargaining for a collective agreement (CA)?
Alto has indicated that it does not wish to participate in the MECA and has instead initiated bargaining for a single-employer collective agreement.
The company has challenged the validity of our MECA initiation notice and has lodged its own initiation for a CA.
There is no barrier to negotiating improved terms within the MECA framework, including through variations where appropriate.
Members should be aware that any improvements that could be offered through a CA could equally be negotiated within a MECA arrangement.
What happens next?
We are currently working through the next steps and will keep members updated as matters progress.
We appreciate that this situation may feel complex or uncertain. Please be assured that your union will continue to act in your collective best interests.
Kia kaha