Supermarket workers want to be heard by mediator

Supermarket workers will apply for mediation as the distribution workers' dispute continues.

National Distribution Union southern secretary Paul Watson said an application for mediation would be lodged today but it was not yet known when talks would begin.

The supermarket workers' action runs at the same time as a dispute between the union and Progressive Enterprises' distribution workers, which is now into its 17th day.

Progressive Enterprises owns Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown supermarkets.

About 600 workers at Progressive's distribution centres in Auckland, Palmerston North, and Christchurch began what was meant to be a 48-hour strike on August 25, but were locked out three days later.

The workers want a national collective agreement to cover the three centres but Progressive has said this is non-negotiable.

Pay rates vary between the centres, with the highest rates paid at Palmerston North.

Union spokesman Simon Oosterman said there was no date set for mediation for the distribution workers because Progressive was refusing to meet unless the workers dropped the claim for a national agreement.

- NZPA