AA stunned as staff reject offer union had agreed to

The Automobile Association is surprised and disappointed that roadside response staff have rejected its latest pay offer.

AA spokesman Simon Lambourne said the association and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) had agreed on a 4.5 per cent wage increase and on including recent changes to its long-service policy in the new collective agreement.

The EPMU had originally asked for six weeks' leave and pay parity.

Mr Lambourne said the AA was "surprised and disappointed" the workers had rejected the settlement.

"The AA expects to receive formal notification of the reasons for the rejection from the EPMU later this week ... It seems incredible that this was not accepted."

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said the workers voted not to accept the offer and would meet tomorrow to discuss "what action to take next".

Mr Little said his members were sensitive to the need of AA customers and would take into account the Easter holiday this weekend.

"Obviously the possibility of further industrial action cannot be ruled out.

"When the terms for this offer were signed, the AA decided to tell the media the dispute was over and I suspect that our members were not happy about that action.

"Nobody likes reading that they have accepted a deal before they have even had a chance to vote on it."

- NZPA