Strike no resolution says CHH

A strike that has paralysed a Whangarei timber plant for two weeks is doing nothing to help resolve the contract negotiations deadlock, Carter Holt Harvey management warns.

About 100 workers from the laminated veneer plant yesterday started a 180km "hikoi" to Auckland to confront company managers at the head office.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) national secretary Andrew Little said workers were determined to hold out for a 5 per cent payrise and improved allowances.

However, CHH general manager of employment relations Paul Mackay said the strike action was completely unnecessary.

"These things are not resolved by standing outside the gate, they're resolved at the table.

"It seems a shame to us that employees are not getting paid when they could be while this is being sorted out."

The plant has been inoperative since September 23 when 200 workers struck.

"Nobody likes the plant being down, but that won't distract us from finding a resolution," Mr Mackay said.

He said the gap between the union's demands and the offer on the table was greater than was implied by the EPMU's statements.

The extra shift and meal allowances demanded would in fact bump up salaries by more than 9 per cent. The company's offer of 3 per cent each year for two years was not "a final position", he said.

- NZPA