Update: Bunnings workers striking (+video)

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

About 50 Bunnings workers and union members from Rotorua, Mount Maunganui, Whakatane, and Te Puke have taken part in a strike outside Bunnings Rotorua in an ongoing dispute over rosters.

They joined up to 850 colleagues across the country in the nationwide strike action today.

Kirstin Miller, First Union organiser, said under the current agreement roster changes must be made with 'mutual agreement' between managers and workers, but Bunnings wanted to "hand managers the power to impose rosters on the workforce".

"People are really concerned about family time, if you've got no right to say no over when they want you to work then that has a potential to affect the time that you spend with your family and friends that you have outside of work," Ms Miller said.

She said it was not about money, but security of hours.

Valerie Staley from the Bunnings Warehouse support team said the company did not wish to comment on the strike, but referred people to www.bunnings.co.nz/about-us/the-facts.

Under the section 'Rosters' its website states:

"We will not be 'chopping and changing' Team Member hours or rosters, or bringing in "zero hour" contracts. All of these practices are completely contrary to the Bunnings culture and those involved in negotiations are fully aware such things have never been proposed.

"If a significant change to a Team Members' roster is needed, the team member must be consulted and given a minimum four weeks' notice of the proposed change; any significant commitments or family responsibilities can be raised and will be taken into consideration as part of this process."

Phil Lee, Rotorua Bunnings worker and union delegate, said the workers just wanted things sorted fairly.

"Obviously people want to get it organised and sorted out so we can move on and all work together for a common cause."

In a statement, First Union said it was expected to be the largest strike in the retail sector this year and disruption for Christmas shoppers was expected.

The nationwide strike follows a national strike in September and rolling strikes from September to December.