Margarine workers end strike

Press, 10 March 1982, Page 3

Margarine workers end strike

PA Auckland Margarine workers at two Auckland firms, Abels, Ltd, and Aspak Industries, Ltd, yesterday accepted a 13 per cent wage rise and agreed to end their industrial action. The settlement was made on Monday at a meeting between the Food Process Workers’ Union and the two companies. The 13 per cent increase will apply to a 14-month period. Originally the workers had sought a 13.75 per cent increase for 12 months and had been offered 12.5 per .‘cent for 14 months. Staff at. Abels had been on

stike to support their claim for three weeks while those at Aspak Industries had imposed a load-out ban after an initial period on strike. Supplies of industrial margarine, to biscuit and confectionery manufacturers had stopped and many companies , in those industries were on the verge of suspending staff as work ran out. ■ After the settlement yesterday. both Aspak and Abels were getting margarine out to them so production could continue. Meanwhile, talks between the Stationary Engine Drivers’ Union and Abels on increased pay relativities for

the four boilermen in the company, were also resolved yesterday. The secretary of the union, Mr George Hogarth, said he could not yet give full details of the settlement but he said the company had agreed to payments which would recognise the qualifications attained by the boilermen. , #>? Production at the company was brought to a standstill in January when' the boilermen struck after Abels had rejected their claims. Mr Hogarth will today travel to Kinleith where he will hold talks with N.Z. Forest Products on the same claim. . .