Gossip around the water filter just became about the water filter itself.
New Zealand’s leading supplier of drinking water to the corporate sector – Just Water – is refusing to negotiate better work conditions. It’s resulted in members commencing full-withdrawal strike action on Thursday 29th March from 4:30 am to 11 pm.
FIRST Union spokesperson Jared Abbott says workers are already on low wages and often have to complete 12-hour shifts. He says the difficulty from these work conditions is only amplified by the fact it’s a physically demanding job; delivery and sales workers carry 15kgs per bottle with each delivery when supplying offices.
Abbott says previous attempts to settle worker’s concerns have failed and strike action is the last option, but regrettably it may affect more than the company itself.
“We’re hopeful it will send a message, it would be unfortunate if it resulted in a short supply of water throughout organisations across Auckland where a majority of members are positioned.”
Abbott says the company’s charter is contradictory, and as an industry leader it has a responsibility to set the bar for work standards. “The company boasts its high standards extend to its workforce, and that it creates a trusting and fair workplace for staff, yet it’s staff who are copping the brunt of a badly run business.”
“A successful company like Just Water should not only know better but should be an example of how to properly run a business in New Zealand, instead it’s trying to squeeze every last drop from its employees.”
Just Water Founder and CEO Tony Falkenstein has previously attempted to discredit workers saying they don’t show up for work, and that his employees are paid above minimum wage, however this is inconsistent with reports from union workers.