Fisher & Paykel workers reject settlement offer

File photo

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare workers have rejected their employer's revised collective agreement settlement offer, but union representatives say they are close to coming to a resolution.

About 900 workers from the company's Highbrook, East Tamaki, plant in Auckland had planned to strike yesterday but this was put on hold because the company put a fresh offer on the table.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the National Distribution Union are seeking a 6.75 per cent pay increase over two years to make up for the escalating cost of living.

Union members today rejected the company's latest offer of a three per cent increase for 12 months followed by a further 2.2 per cent for 12 months, as well as a $300 lump sum payment.

However, EPMU director of organising Rachel Mackintosh said the parties were close to reaching an agreement and would hold further talks on Monday.

"There is not very much further that the company will need to go."

All planned industrial action had been put on hold, she said.

The company, which was part of Fisher & Paykel Industries before it was split into healthcare and appliance divisions in 2001.

It designs, makes and markets products and systems for use in respiratory care, acute care, and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Negotiations for the renewal of the company-wide collective agreement have been going on for more than three months.