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Auckland Foodstuffs workers, who say they can't feed their families on their wage, began a series of extended lunchtime strikes today.
National Distribution Union distribution sector secretary Karl Andersen told NZPA workers added an extra half an hour onto their half-hour lunch break today and would continue doing so until negotiations with Foodstuffs were settled.
The ninety unionised distribution staff have said they could not afford to properly feed their families on their current pay rates, Mr Andersen said.
"How long will it take for companies like billion-dollar Foodstuffs to take responsibility for the wage-poverty they maintain and start paying their low paid workers and families a livable wage."
Mr Andersen said it was appalling the Reserve Bank was calling for wage restraint when one in five children remained in poverty, despite the recent economic boom.
The striking workers receive $14.59 an hour and are fighting for $17 an hour.
The company, which owns Pak'N Save and New World supermarkets, was offering up to $15.50 an hour but Mr Andersen said that was not good enough for New Zealand's second biggest company.
"Foodstuffs made its biggest profit ever last year," he said.
Murray Jordan from Foodstuffs Auckland said he was surprised by the strike action.
"We're in early stages of what has so far been amicable negotiations with the union.
"We look forward to reaching a settlement in due course which is satisfactory to both parties."
- NZPA
