DB staff strike over proposed pay freeze

Dozens of workers at two Dominion Brewery-owned breweries have begun industrial action over a pay dispute.

Dominion Breweries confirmed 44 (of 65) staff were on strike at Mainland Brewery in Timaru and two people were on strike at Monteith's Brewing Company in Greymouth.

The Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) said members, alongside those from the Service and Food Workers Union, would be off work until Thursday in response to a proposed pay freeze.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said workers were outraged as DB was still making healthy profits.

"Beer prices have gone up and frankly selling beer in New Zealand is as easy as organising a piss-up in a brewery," he said.

"DB posted a profit of $29 million for the last financial year, and while we're all aware of the impact of the recession, this is a business that can easily afford to give its workers a fair pay increase.

"Over the last few years our members have shown flexibility and productivity but are not seeing anything in return. This dispute is as much about respect as it is about money."

A DB spokesperson said the company had been in negotiations with staff since May and hoped an agreement could be reached following a meeting scheduled for later this week.

DB also owns the Waitemata Brewery in Manukau and Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka.

- NZPA