July 17, 2007

Power workers issue strike notice

More than 170 lines workers, including those responsible for fixing the recent tornado damage in Taranaki, have issued lines maintenance company Tenix with fourteen days' notice of industrial action.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members are the contracted lines maintenance workers for Powerco's electrical network in the western half of the North Island and are currently paid between 10 and 20 percent less than the industry standard.

EPMU National ElectroComms Organiser Joe Gallagher says the union members just want a fair pay increase.

"These workers have shown huge loyalty including working around the clock to get power back on line after the recent tornado but they're not seeing any loyalty from the company in return.

"To make matters worse, we've discovered Tenix has been offering a handful of workers pay rises of seven and eight dollars an hour while refusing to put a decent offer on the table during collective negotiations.

"This is an industry that is desperately short of labour and these workers need a fair deal if this employer is serious about retaining skilled labour.

"Wages and conditions in this industry overseas and elsewhere in New Zealand are more attractive and these workers need to catch up."

The industrial action is due to start in two weeks and will take the form of an overtime ban, a callout ban and a refusal to work outside of their region.

ENDS

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