Stevenson Engineering workers win 5.5%

Workers at Stevenson Engineering in East Tamaki have won a 5.5% pay rise following two days of strike action last week, but were unable to make as much progress as they’d liked on overtime rates.

The thirty-six EPMU members had wanted overtime to kick in after 45 hours rather than the current 50, but eventually settled on the higher pay rise and time and a half on Saturdays instead. The workers also won a one-off week’s annual leave after ten years.

EPMU organiser Chris Ollington says despite the gains made this time around, overtime rates are still a major issue.

“Overtime rates are still a very live issue with our members, and although we didn’t make as much progress as we’d have liked this time we’ve sent a strong message to the company that overtime rates will need to be addressed in next year’s negotiations.

“Stevensons need to realise that like any company in a tight labour market they’re simply not going to hold onto their skilled tradespeople unless they get their overtime rates into line with industry standards.”