Most distribution workers back on the job

While most of the distribution workers locked out by supermarket giant Progressive Enterprises for four weeks returned to work today, a small group of them, still angry at their treatment, have refused to return until Monday.

More than 500 distribution workers, based in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch, went on strike on August 25 to protest for pay parity and a collective agreement across the three centres.

Two days later, Progressive locked the workers out, and the company has been at loggerheads with unions representing the workers ever since.

In locking the workers out, Progressive engaged in what union representatives described as the most aggressive industrial action the country has seen in a generation.

Unions across the globe pledged their support, and the workers were buoyed by donations of cash and vouchers from other union members and the wider community.

Yesterday, the unions achieved a deal which will give pay parity across the centres within two years.

Both sides have claimed the agreement a victory.

NDU secretary Laila Harre said the most important point was that the workers were able to use their national bargaining power to deliver equal pay for equal work.

Progressive managing director Marty Hamnett said the key for the company was achieving the three year term agreed to, which would enable long-term forward planning.

Today, Christchurch NDU delegate Karl Skivington said 49 per cent of workers there voted against accepting the deal from Progressive.

The tight vote revealed the resilience of the workers, and some of them had decided not to return until Monday, he told National Radio.

Many of the workers were "still angry" and in no mood to rush back to work for employers who had locked them out, he said.

They were tired after being on the picket line since day one and in need of a break.

New Zealand unions celebrated the resolution yesterday, many praising the workers' fortitude.

Andrew Little, national secretary of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, which represents 110 of the Christchurch staff, said the workers had stood firm in the face of "incredible pressure".

Mr Little said that the victory sent a clear single to other foreign companies.

"Any company wanting to operate in New Zealand must understand the New Zealand workforce," he said.

"We work hard, we expect to be treated decently and fairly, we stick together, and we'll fight for what we know is right," he said.

Public Service Association national secretary Brenda Pilott said union members and the wider New Zealand public had been offended by Progressive's tactics.

"These workers should be praised for their courage and determination in opposing the hostile and aggressive actions of their employer."

- NZPA