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September 02, 2022
Tallks on in Kawerau toilet paper lock out
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On September 2, 2022
Download AudioThe union representing locked-out workers at Essity’s Kawerau toilet paper mill is confident talks starting this morning can resolve the three-week-long dispute.
Pulp and Paper Workers Union secretary Tane Phillips says the predominantly Maori workforce and their whanau are hurting and the loss of spending power is being felt throughout the community.
They’re seeking pay increases that will keep them up with inflation over the three years of the contracts.
“We’re going in there with a real set of mind to get a deal done for our members, a good deal done, so we’re open to negotiations, it’s a negotiation,” Mr Phillips says.
The negotiation is facilitated by the Employment Relations Authority.
Mr Phillips says the union will vigorously members against a claim for more than half a million dollars in damages lodged by the Swedish company against 62 of the 145 locked out workers.
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