8 week strike at Contact Energy’s Rockgas in Auckland

Media release: FIRST Union
Tuesday June 4, 2013

8 week strike underway at Contact Energy’s Rockgas operations in Auckland

Workers at Contact Energy’s Rockgas operations in Auckland have today started an 8 week strike in an attempt to secure better pay and conditions.

The drivers, members of FIRST Union, have been bargaining since February with Rockgas, but FIRST Union organiser Jared Abbott said the company was unwilling to move on lifting its wages to better reflect what others in the industry were paying.

“The drivers are seeking pay rates that are closer to what Rockgas’ competitors in the industry pay, and safer terms and conditions” Jared Abbott said.

“Despite already being below industry standards, bargaining broke down after Rockgas made an offer that was lower than what they currently pay new employees.”

“Contact Energy is a highly profitable business. These drivers are helping Contact’s Rockgas division achieve good profits and need to be better rewarded for their work.”

“Rockgas has not yet agreed to go to mediation during the strike to try and resolve this but we remain willing to finding a resolution,” Jared Abbott said.

The strike is for 8 weeks and commenced today. It will affect all commercial and residential customers who rely on Rockgas cylinders. Nearly all of the Rockgas drivers are involved in the strike.

Contact Energy’s full year profit was up over 25% in the last financial year to $190 million, and their half yearly profit update in February was also up 20%.

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