Workers get pay rise

The Service and Food Workers Union has withdrawn notice of strike action planned for next week after district health boards yesterday ratified a cost-sharing agreement with Spotless Services for a pay rise for 800 Spotless cleaners, orderlies and kitchen staff in public hospitals.

Organiser Shane Vugler said workers were over the moon about getting a new base rate of $14.25 an hour, backdated to last July when the company first agreed to pay it.

- AGENCIES