"Crunch time";The recession and a postal union's response
UNI Post & Logistics New Zealand affiliate, the EPMU, says that there has never been a more important time for working people to stick together and try to protect our terms and conditions and to ensure that things are fair. They are telling the workers in NZ Post that If they are not a member of the EPMU, it is a good time to think about joining. If they are, then it is a good time to talk to their workmates, friends and family about joining EPMU.
The EPMU has produced a video called Crunch Time to explain the recession and the union’s response. You can find the video at www.epmu.org.nz/crunch-time/ or by searching for “Crunch Time EPMU” at www.youtube.com.
The union has also said that workers can respond to this crisis, the EPMU's message is;
The EPMU has 3 messages for our members and the companies that they work for:
1. If a company is experiencing difficulties due to the recession, we will, as always, work with members and employers to ensure that the effects are minimised. We will work to ensure that all affected members are consulted about any changes to work places, including suggesting alternatives to any redundancies or reductions in the terms and conditions of employment. Where redundancies are necessary we will work to ensure that our members receive their full entitlements and any support that they require. In order to do this work efficiently we will be requesting that companies disclose all the necessary information, so that we can all work together to come up with solutions.
2. If a company chooses not to disclose information and to use the Economic Crisis as an excuse to keep wages down, reduce wages or make unnecessary cuts to staffing numbers, we will work with our members to discover what is really going on and we will challenge any changes. If a company chooses to over look its obligation to enter into meaningful consultation with affected employees, we will challenge this too.
3. Some sectors of the work force will not be as badly affected as others. Where companies are ticking along and making good profits, we will continue in our usual work for wage growth in New Zealand.