Premier Bacon workers double membership, win 5%

25 July, 2008

Workers at Premier Bacon in Carterton have more than doubled union membership and won major increases in pay and conditions by standing together and sticking to their guns during bargaining.

The eight month deal includes a 5% pay increase, which annualises at 7.5% a year, a 2+2 Kiwisaver deal, redundancy protections for the first time ever, a $200 cash payment to union members and staff participation in the development of performance bonuses.

EPMU organiser Mark James says the deal is one of the better he's seen in recent times, and it's all down to a strong membership.

"Premier Bacon has a fantastic group of delegates who've worked hard to grow the union and made real use of work rights like collective bargaining and no pass-on to full effect.

"A good example of this was when they were offered 5% but with pass-on to non-union members. The membership stuck to their guns and refused to accept any offer that involved freeloading, and they won.

"As a result we've now doubled our membership and the union's in an even stronger position for next time."

The EPMU represents ninety members at Premier Bacon, up from just forty two years ago.