Workers strike at aluminium firm

McKechnie Aluminium Solutions plant in New Plymouth picture supplied

Nearly 150 workers at an aluminium company have walked off the job in protest over a pay offer, says the union that represents them.

E tū, the union which represents workers in the manufacturing industry, said 147 of its members have taken strike action for 24 hours and walked off the job at McKechnie Aluminium Solutions in New Plymouth.

The union says its members are protesting what it called a "low-ball" pay offer.

E tū organiser Ross Henderson it was expected the company would offer at least the 2 per cent which members agreed to in the latest metal and manufacturing industries collective agreement.

"But that hasn't happened," said Henderson, who added that members would meet tomorrow morning to discuss their next move.

McKechnie's chief executive Pramod Khatri said the company was still talking to the union and the workers.

He would not comment further.