Cinema workers fighting for better working conditions are asking movie-goers to boycott treats in what they are calling a "popcorn strike".
Unite Union members have asked cinema patrons not to buy food from confectionary stands until the SkyCity Cinema chain amends its pay rates and offers secure hours
of work for employees.
Further industrial action is planned for tonight when workers at SkyCity's WestCity Shopping Town cinema in Henderson, Auckland, plan to walk off the job at 6pm and picket outside.
National director Mike Treen said the industrial action would begin at the Henderson cinema but would follow throughout the country.
Mr Treen said members were asking for an hourly rate of $12.20, moving up to $13.10 after two years service, but SkyCity had offered no more than the legal minimum wage for the majority of the workers.
"If the offer was accepted cinema workers would be paid significantly less than those in the fast-food industry who are also represented by our union," Mr Treen said.
Another aspect of the contract members hope to change with the popcorn strike is their hours of employment.
"[SkyCity] won't guarantee even one shift a week for staff, so there's no guaranteed hours from week to week," Mr Treen said.
SkyCity Cinemas chief operating officer Joanne Watt said the cinema chain was very disappointed Unite Union was advocating strike action.
"We have very good relationships with our employees. Our work is attractive to students and we are a very flexible employer offering many additional hours available during their holiday times and flexibility around study and exam leave."
Ms Watt said SkyCity was already comfortably in line with pay rates for the industry.
SkyCity is the largest cinema operator in New Zealand with 19 cinemas throughout the country.
- NZPA
