PPTA supports locked out workers

6 September 2008

PPTA supports locked out workers

Workers locked out from Progressive Enterprises since August 28 are getting a raw deal from a company more interested in increasing its return for Aussie shareholders than in its New Zealand staff, PPTA general secretary Kevin Bunker said today.

He said PPTA supported the National Distribution Union’s campaign to increase the standard of living of New Zealand's supermarket workers from the checkout to the supply chain.

“This group of workers is fighting to restore the wages and conditions they lost in the 90s and what they are asking for is only a tiny fraction of the $1.2 billion profit increase announced recently by Woolworths Australia (Progressive’s parent company).

He said PPTA supported distribution workers fighting for a national collective agreement. Secondary teachers were covered by a national collective that had benefited teachers and students, their parents and caregivers.

“In the same way, PPTA believes workers at Progressive Enterprise, the company and its customers will also benefit from a single collective agreement.”

Mr Bunker said PPTA was also encouraging its members to support locked out workers with messages of support and by joining them at the picket line.

“What this is about is the fair treatment of a group of workers who are suffering because of low pay and the ever-increasing cost of living in NZ.

“It’s time that Progressive gave them a fair go.”

ENDS

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