Rail and Maritime Transport Union throws support behind locked out workers at Progressive

Rail and Maritime Transport Union media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday 13 September 2006

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) has condemned Progressive Enterprise's lockout of distribution workers and weighed in with major support for the workers.

RMTU National Secretary Wayne Butson says a national meeting today resolved to donate $10 000 to the locked out workers, as well as bolstering solidarity support for picket lines throughout New Zealand.

Mr Butson says local branches of the RMTU in affected areas have already been supporting the locked out workers, but the Union has committed to increasing support on a national level.

"All workers are entitled to have the same pay for doing the same work, and our Union will do everything in their power to ensure that the locked out Progressive workers are victorious in their struggle".

The RMTU has called upon Progressive to agree to the wishes of their workers and give them a fair wage under the coverage of one national collective agreement.

Mr Butson says the RMTU is working with transport unions in New Zealand and internationally to build support for the locked out workers.

He says RMTU members in the rail industry are very aware of the tactics of multinational bully boy employers.

"While Progressive executives lounge around basking in the glory of their obscene salaries, it is a sad tragedy that their workers have to go through hell just to get a decent wage."

Mr Butson says that Progressive Enterprises are doing irreparable harm to their brand and image in New Zealand with their actions, as New Zealander's do not like what they are witnessing.

ENDS

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