Fisher & Paykel workers return to 40hr week

Fisher & Paykel Appliances said 350 refrigeration assembly workers in Auckland will return to a 40-hour week.

The company paid tribute to both the Government and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturers Union for supporting arrangements that had allowed the workers to reduce to 35 hours a week, saving 60 jobs.

"Although all markets remain tough in terms of trading, the East Tamaki plant, coming into its traditional peak production season, has sufficient orders going forward to enable it to return to normal working hours," said chief executive John Bongard.

In a joint announcement with Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett, he said the company was withdrawing from a scheme which saw 350 workers reduce their working week to 35 hours.

"The Job Support Scheme has been pivotal in allowing us to keep our skilled assembly line workers employed through the recent slump," said Bongard.

Fisher and Paykel joined the Job Support Scheme in early April and has received just over $123,000 of government funding.

Under the agreement, staff worked a 35-hour week. This was supplemented with an additional 3.5 hours of pay made up of both government and the company's contribution and staff took 1.5 hours a week paid leave.

"I'm very happy that one of the first companies to take up this help from the Government is now in the position to return to a normal 40-hour working week for its manufacturing employees," said Bennett.

- NZPA