Strike may hit brewery bonus

DB Breweries says the nationwide strike by staff today may put a 10 per cent bonus offer, which would be paid in a lump sum just before Christmas, in jeopardy.

About 170 DB workers walked off the job for 24 hours in protest over the company's refusal to give them what they say is a fair pay rise.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said workers were seeking a pay rise in line with the going rate of 5 per cent, and wanted it to apply to all wages and conditions.

"Last week the company told the public that it had done so well over the past three years that it was celebrating by shouting every New Zealander a free beer, but it is refusing to share the good times with its own workers."

The company had offered a 4 per cent rise on wages.

But DB managing director Brian Blake said their offer was 1 per cent above inflation, and staff were on target for a 10 per cent performance-related, lump-sum bonus.

"Sadly, they [the union] are failing to recognise that DB is considered an excellent employer by our staff and that a strike may put reaching our target and the bonus at risk. Our 10 per cent performance-related bonus is significantly greater than the value of the extra 1 per cent the union is seeking."

He said employees also get life and health insurance, superannuation and an education centre at headquarters.

"The company shouts them free beers too - everyone gets a beer allowance. Plus in the first week of October all our staff will be shouted dinner to celebrate our 75th year."

Mr Blake said it was also a myth that 5 per cent rises were widespread.

"We've looked at wage increases settled at similar companies and we compare positively with them - particularly if you factor in the bonus we are offering."

The strike affects the Otahuhu brewery in Auckland, the Tui brewery at Mangatainoka, the brewery at Timaru and Monteith's on the West Coast.

- NZPA