Post staff who walked out over toilets lose pay claim

Auckland postal workers who left with "undue haste" when they heard there would be no toilet facilities at their New Lynn office will not be paid for the time they were absent, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has ruled.

In December, branch manager Keri Tangaroa told union delegate Teri Williams the toilets would not be working the following day, but staff would be able to leave the premises to use other toilets.

However, when staff arrived, Ms Williams was incorrectly told there was also no running water.

Staff who belonged to the union felt this was a health and safety issue so would not stay at work.

Ms Williams contacted Ms Tangaroa, who said there was cold running water.

However, Ms Williams said staff would be leaving regardless.

She also told union members they would be paid for the day, because the issue involved health and safety.

A number of union members left even after they were told the situation had been resolved, and most chose not to return despite portable toilets being provided.

ERA member Vicki Campbell said NZ Post had taken reasonable steps to rectify the problems with the toilets.

"The employees who left the workplace did so with undue haste.

"Further, Ms Williams' advice that members who left the workplace would be paid for the day was misconceived and without authority."

Ms Campbell said there was no basis for staff who had left the office to be paid for the day.

- NZPA