Metal workers get 3 per cent pay rise

Nearly 2000 engineering and manufacturing workers have agreed to accept a 3 per cent pay rise this year and the same again next year.

The Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union's members of the metals and manufacturing multi-employer collective have also won an extra day's holiday next year to compensate for Anzac Day coinciding with Easter Monday.

"This is a good outcome for members," said EPMU national secretary Andrew Little.

"Our aim was to get them a pay rise above inflation at a time when prices are rising and the Government has announced a GST hike, which will hit workers' pay packets."

Mr Little said the metals agreement was set to widen, with EPMU members at other sites organising to join its coverage.

- NZPA