Unions are targeting two Foodstuffs stores in the South Island, claiming their workers are paid approximately $2 than their North Island counterparts. According to FIRST Union, local owners-operators of New World Nelson and Pak’nSave Richmond are refusing to discuss pay rates or collective agreements.
“Next week FIRST Union is taking the owners to the Employment Relations Authority to test whether their refusal to negotiate better pay is legal,” said Rachel Boyack, Nelson-based organiser of FIRST.
On their parts, owners refused to comment on the allegations.
“Pak’nSave Richmond is currently engaged in a good faith bargaining process with FIRST Union,” Andrew Howard, owner of Pak’nSave Richmond, told SupermarketNews. “I am unwilling to carry out this process in the public arena as I do not believe it fits with the good faith process.”
New World Nelson City owner, Greg Guy, was on the same wavelength. “Our store is also engaged in the bargaining process with FIRST Union, and I agree with the owner of PAK’nSAVE Richmond regarding commenting on the process.”
UNIONS TARGETING SOUTH ISLAND STORES
