Civilian staff at Burnham go on strike

1.00pm

About 60 civilian Defence Force personnel were to strike at Burnham Military Camp today.

National Union of Public Employees spokesman John Kerr said the civilian workers, who included storekeepers, administrators and payroll clerks, were frustrated at the breakdown of their pay talks.

The Defence Force had offered a 2.5 per cent pay rise, which was not viewed as good enough, Mr Kerr said.

"Some of our members are only paid around $22,000 a year," he told NZPA.

Soldiers on the other hand had had pay rises of up to 23 per cent. Workers were seeking an 8 per cent pay rise, he said.

The strike would run from 10am to 2pm.

"We realise this strike is not going to be able to stop the operation of the camp, but it is symbolic," he said.

"The workers are exasperated at the failure of top brass to recognise their contribution."

Mr Kerr said the striking workers would picket the camp for the duration of the strike.

- NZPA