28 June 2008
Media Release:
Strike action this morning as company holds firm to New Zealand’s worst employment contract
Further strike action is taking place this morning against New Zealand’s worst employment contract. It covers workers in
the foodcourt at Auckland International Airport who will be taking strike action from 11am this morning.
Auckland International Airport
11am today
Unite Union National Director Mike Treen has described the contract as medieval and today’s strike and protest follows
no shift in the company’s position in negotiations last week.
“This company seems determined to hold onto this appalling contract while the workers are determined to get a better
deal”.
“It has some of the most onerous conditions we have seen in a New Zealand contract. The workers are treated without
dignity or respect by two high profile companies (Host Marriott Services Corporation and Auckland International Airport
Limited) who operate the foodcourt business in a joint venture.
To add insult to injury most of these workers received a 6% cut in pay this year when the company cut standard shift
hours from 40 to 37.5 hours per week. These cuts included workers who have worked at the site for many years.
Last week the union wrote to both Auckland City Council and Manukau City Council as shareholders in Auckland
International Airport to seek support
ends