Media Release

Oamaru Mail workers strike for 5%

News workers at the APN-owned Oamaru Mail went on strike yesterday afternoon in support of their claim for a 5% pay rise.

This is the third time members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union have taken strike action at the Mail since negotiations broke down last month, and it is expected they will stay out until Thursday this week.

EPMU Lead Organiser John Gardner says the members voted to take strike action after APN withdrew its previous offer of 3.5% and tried to stall attempts at mediation.

“Our members are fed up with being mucked around. APN’s making tens of millions and offering our members nothing, even though many of them are barely making more than minimum wage.”

“APN is a huge Australian multinational doing very well out of this country. All we’re asking is that they pay their Kiwi workers properly.

“However it appears APN is happy to earn a reputation as a company that takes from the community but gives nothing in return.”

Gardner says union members are planning to return to work on Thursday, but they expect the company to come back to the table with a serious offer.

“It’s time APN took our members seriously. They don’t enjoy taking industrial action, but faced with this kind of behaviour they feel they have little choice.”

The EPMU is currently pursuing legal action against the Oamaru Mail for its use of illegal strikebreakers during last month’s industrial action.

ENDS

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