Food industry council back in action

The EPMU’s food industry sector is set for shake up, with a new National Industry Organiser at the helm and the first industry council in more than a year set for Monday and Tuesday.

Industry councils are a vital part of union democracy and provide an opportunity for delegates in each industry to have a real say in how the union operates.

Hamilton-based organiser Fiona McQueen was appointed industry organiser earlier this year and says she’s looking forward to getting the food industry into shape.

“Taking on the food industry’s going to be a huge task. For a start there’s a lack of union density on key sites, there’s a real need to consolidate bargaining into larger agreements and we need to build our relationships with other unions in the industry.

“This industry council is about laying the groundwork, and that means getting delegates active in the union, electing a new chair and making sure we understand what the key issues are and how we respond to them as a union.

“We’ll also be discussing broader issues like the impact of private equity on the industry and the use of labour hire companies to undermine wages and conditions. These are issues that are having a huge effect on our members and we need to make sure we have a plan to deal with them.”

The food industry council will take place in Palmerston North and includes delegates from Cadbury, DB, Tegel, Yarrows, Fonterra, Mars, Pernod Ricard, PPCS, Hygrade, Heinz Watties and McCains.