Warehouse threatens staff bonuses

Media Release: National Distribution Union
Thursday December 3 2009

Warehouse threatens staff bonuses

The union representing 2,000 workers at The Warehouse says the company is now threatening non union members’ bonuses, in response to a decision yesterday by Warehouse workers to take industrial action.

National Distribution Union (NDU) Warehouse campaign organiser Simon Oosterman says that this is an unusual approach from the company.

“Warehouse workers have very real concerns about a continued deterioration of their conditions, and the company’s response is to threaten to not to pay out non union members’ pay and bonuses, after union workers spoke out,” he says.

The memo issued yesterday detailing the move was given to the NDU by a non-member who supports the union.

“Today workers in Hamilton will hear from someone who was brave enough to challenge the changes the Warehouse was proposing to his hours, but he was still forced to work at new times that disrupted his family life.”

“His story demonstrates why many workers didn’t challenge the changes from the company, seeing the consultation as having a pre-determined outcome,” Mr Oosterman says.

Frankie Watson is a delegate at The Warehouse in Riccarton, Christchurch.

“Over 20 staff members at the store left over Project Invigorate, and the morale and productivity amongst staff at the store has gone out the door,” he says.

ENDS

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