Collective agreement good for all

COLLABORATIVE APPROACH: Seeka chief executive Michael Franks (left) and AWUNZ regional secretary Robert Popata shake on a new collective agreement that covers about 3000 workers in the kiwifruit industry. Picture supplied

Workers at New Zealand produce company Seeka’s Gisborne pack-house are the new beneficiaries of a National Collective Agreement.

Amalgamated Workers Union NZ (AWUNZ), the union at the forefront of representing horticulture and viticulture workers — including RSE workers — has negotiated the first national agreement in the industry in two decades with the nation’s largest kiwifruit producer. It potentially covers more than 3000 domestic and RSE workers nationwide.

AWUNZ regional secretary Robert Popata said the agreement was the result of a collaborative approach by the union and Seeka.

The agreement would cover 20 existing members at Seeka’s Gisborne operation but that would expand to 190, including seasonal workers.

Mr Popata said the agreement saw significant improvements, with improved guaranteed hours and conditions, that showed Seeka wanted to attract domestic and RSE workers to the industry and for it to be seen as a real career option.

“It’s a good-news story for an industry that has been criticised for its treatment of migrant workers, with the Human Rights Commissioner saying some of the treatment was tantamount to slavery.

“Earlier this year, under instruction from Minister (of Immigration Michael) Wood, tripartite meetings were formed where representatives from Government, Pacific, employers, unions and industry worked together to make recommendations for real improvements in the RSE review recently completed,” Mr Popata said.

“This is an industry screaming out for an FPA (Fair Pay Agreement) and with Seeka negotiating a national agreement with AWUNZ, it is a genuine step to standardising the industry.”

Speaking to The Gisborne Herald, Seeka chief executive Michael Franks said he did not expect the agreement to have a significant impact on the NZX-listed company’s overall payroll.

“We think this is a positive step . . . We think it’s good for workers and we think it’s healthy for the company and the industry.

“The reality is, we have always paid above the minimum, we have always been a good employer.

“What this does is give assurance that we are going to act responsibly and gives our seasonal employees a voice.”

Mr Franks said the agreements had been done on a “collegiate” basis, adding the union had been good to work with.