Resene workers strike for the Living Wage
Resene workers are striking this week to win the Living Wage as a base rate and demand fair pay for the work they do.
When: 15 October, 9am – 11am
Where: Resene Head Office, Vogel Street, Naenae
Margaret Jackson, a Resene worker and E tū delegate, says the company’s latest pay offer is unacceptable.
“The cost of living keeps going up, but our pay isn’t keeping pace. We can’t afford the basics anymore. Housing, groceries, power, internet, petrol, healthcare, clothing, tuition, everything is getting more expensive,” Margaret says.
“We’re angry. It’s an insult to us as workers. It makes us feel undervalued and diminished. We are important, we matter, and we have families to provide for.”
Margaret says Resene’s success is built on the hard work of its employees, who deserve to share in that success.
“Resene doesn’t care about the workers and families who make millions for this business. They would rather line their own pockets with the profits we help create.”
She says members are united in demanding respect and fair pay.
“We’re not asking for a lot. We want better working conditions, fair pay, and to be valued as human beings, not treated like numbers. Pay us the Living Wage.
“Today we’re standing together in solidarity with the support of our communities, church and faith groups, other unions, and our families. It’s time for Resene to do the right thing and pay workers what we deserve.”
E tū Team Leader Finn O’Dwyer-Cunliffe says Resene’s approach to bargaining has been disappointing.
“Resene have been unusually resistant to a set of very fair and modest claims that would simply bring them in line with other employers in the industry. Their refusal to see the workers’ perspective has left members with no choice but to take this action,” Finn says.
“Resene is a profitable company. They should return to the table with an offer that includes the Living Wage for their workers and reflects the values of the wider community they are part of in Naenae.”