News

Linesmen at Waipa Networks in Te Awamutu have won a 7.5% pay increase over 12 months - their largest pay rise in more than a decade.

The pay offer follows a tense eight hours in mediation just days before a 14 day strike notice was due to come into effect.

EPMU organiser Peter Cooper-Davies says the deal is a good one, and reflects skills shortages in the industry. "With the ongoing skills shortages in the electrical lines industry employers have to realise that if they want to retain skilled staff then they need to pay the going rate. By standing together these guys were able to put a strong case to the company, including notice of industrial action, and ultimately get the deal they deserved. The challenge now is to sort out the ongoing the employment relationship issues onsite between members and management, and as part of the settlement we've worked out a process to make sure the relationship is more constructive in future."

UNI's affiliate in New Zealand EPMU has 25 members at Waipa Networks.