KEY POINTS:
SkyCity cinema workers are promising further industrial action after staff at an Auckland theatre walked off the job last night.
Management were forced to step in after 26 staff at SkyCity's WestCity Shopping Town cinema in Henderson, took to the streets at 6pm yesterday, in support of a pay increase and secure working hours.
The action has been dubbed the "popcorn" strike after staff requested cinema patrons to show support for their cause by boycotting buying food from confectionery stands.
Unite Union national director Mike Treen said today that further industrial action would continue over the next month.
"SkyCity put out a statement saying they pay the industry rate - well, they rule half the industry and that's the problem," he said.
"Eventually the entire movie industry will be involved. We are already negotiating with the other players including Reading and Hoyts."
Members were asking for an hourly rate of $12.20, moving up to $13.10 after two years' service, as well as guaranteed work hours.
Mr Treen said the public reaction to yesterday's picket was overwhelming.
"[The workers] had big signs up saying 'toot for support', 'for secure hours', 'against low pay', and the toots were deafening."
Mr Treen said when the workers went back to work they were met with big lines after senior management had tried to fill the strikers' shoes.
The union was willing to re-enter negotiations at any time but he did not believe SkyCity took its workers seriously.
"In our negotiations with them they were contemptuous and dismissive of any idea that these workers deserved greater rights."
SkyCity Cinemas did not return calls today but chief operating officer Joanne Watt said yesterday that the chain had good relationships with its employees and that it offered flexible hours for staff to suit student timetables.
SkyCity was disappointed about the strike action, Ms Watt said.
SkyCity is the largest cinema operator in New Zealand with 19 cinemas throughout the country.
- NZPA
