Staff and management at an Oamaru wool spinning company have
negotiated a nine-day fortnight in a bid to adapt to changing
economic conditions.
Up to 57 staff at Oamaru-based Summit Wool Spinners will keep
their jobs if the application for the government-funded
employer wage top-up is successful.
The staff, with negotiators from the Engineering, Printing
and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the National Distribution
Union, worked for the Japanese-owned company - New Zealand's
largest independent wool spinner, producing yarn for carpet
makers in New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.
EPMU spokesman John Gardner was happy with the result.
"Any nine day fortnight arrangement must come with an
employer wage top-up because workers simply can't afford to
take another hit in the pocket," he said.
"We're particularly pleased that Summit's management has
backed a cooperative solution to the troubles the company is
facing.
Summit Wool Spinners director Ricky Hammond-Tooke said
everyone would win should the government come to the party.
"It's been a trying time for all concerned and I would like
to thank the unions and everyone else involved in the
negotiations for their positive attitude and patience."
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