Ecolab workers return to work

5 May, 2008

Workers at Ecolab's Hamilton plant have returned to work after four weeks of strike action, with the company still refusing to sign onto the Metals MECA.

However, the $5.5 billion chemical giant has agreed to a pay rise and will re-enter collective agreement negotiations again on Tuesday.

Ecolab consistently refused to join onto the Metals over the four week strike, arguing its American owners had a "philosophical objection" to industry-wide agreements.

EPMU organiser Peter Cooper-Davies says the strike was tough, but the members can hold their heads high.

"The guys are pleased to be back at work and to have some steps going forward, but there's been a lot of good will lost by the company's actions during the strike and it's going to be hard to build that relationship back up.

"Obviously we would have liked to have got onto the Metals, but the guys can be proud of themselves for standing strong for so long."

During the dispute workers received assistance from the EPMU's Industrial Hardship Fund.

Workers also received support from the Green Party, whose employment spokesperson Sue Bradford issued a media statement during the strike calling on Ecolab to respect its workers' right to join an industry agreement.