Workers to hold another picket outside Pak'nSave Hastings over pay woes

FIRST Union members picketing outside Pak'nSave Hastings earlier this month. Photo/File

Workers will be holding another picket outside Pak'nSave Hastings today over unresolved pay concerns.

More than 50 floor staff, butchers, deli workers and bakers are expected to attend the second picket within two weeks outside the store.

FIRST Union organiser Mike McNab said the company is refusing to give workers a pay rise and bargaining has broken down on multiple occasions.

"The owner is digging in, he won't budge on pay, and is pushing out bargaining dates as far as he can."

The employer needed to recognise the value of its workers, most of whom were on the minimum wage, and pay them what they were worth, he said.

"We just want the owner to come to he table and give the workers a pay rise.

"These jobs require skill, these workers are proficient at their jobs, and they often work very long hours."

Employees were struggling to pay bills but they were not asking for charity.

"Workers need a pay rise in the face of increased petrol and living costs, and to meet the costs associated with bringing up a family."

There had been a lot of community feedback on social media following the first picket, which was held on June 16, and he hoped more community support would be gained today.

"Our social media pages are filled with the community voicing their frustration at how staff are being treated.

"I've been told that Pak'nSave Napier has seen an increase in profits because people are doing their shopping at that store instead – they're really angry."

Today's protest was not what the workers wanted but they felt they have no other option for their voice to be heard, McNab said.

"It's about being peaceful and sending a message to Pak'nSave Hastings that the members have had a gutsful.

"They feel like they are boxed in."

McNab was trespassed from the store earlier this week for talking to members about the picket.

"He trespassed me from the store two days ago to try to undermine the union, despite the fact it's illegal.

"This has inflamed the workers even more."

Mediation had been planned for August 2 but this has now been pushed back until August 14.

Pickets would continue until the workers were paid more, he said.

Pak'nSave Hastings owner-operator Brendon Smith said his store continued to engage in good faith with FIRST Union.

"It is disappointing the union has chosen to picket when both parties have already agreed to a date for mediation.

"The previous picket organised by FIRST Union included mostly third parties supporting the Union's cause and did not have the number of attendees as stated in their press release.

"We believe it is important that both parties maintain the accuracy of their statements during a good faith bargaining process."

Smith said his store was a large employer in the area which values the contribution of its staff.

"We believe we are at or above market with our employment terms and what's more, we provide substantial support to a wide range of organisations and community groups in the Hastings region."

The picket, starting at 11.30am outside the Heretaunga St West store, would have a barbecue for members of the public, as well as an inflatable pig on the footpath with the owner's name on it.