Feltex carpet workers continue strike

Press, 2 April 1985, Page 8

Feltex carpet workers continue strike

Feltex carpet workers in Christchurch met yesterday and decided to continue their strike over a pay claim. The 400 workers went on an indefinite strike last Thursday, after returning to work on’ Tuesday. March 26, after a threeAiay strike, also over the pay claim. Tbe secretary of the Canterbury branch of the Woollen Workers' Union, Mr Andy Lea, said the union’s national secretary. Mr ■ Paddy O’Flanagan, had recommended that the workers return by midnight tomorrow so that the union and Feltex management could meet on Thursday at a conciliator’s conference in Auckland.

The workers had rejected the recommendation because they doubted whether

the conference would help achieve their claims, said Mr Lea. Staff have been picketing the factory since Thursday to support a goods load-out ban. Picket exemptions have been given to staff from other unions still working at the factory. Workers at the Auckland and Wellington Feltex carpet factories are also on strike, for the same reason as the Christchurch workers. The union seeks a $3O-a--week increase for lower paid members. The company has offered 8.88 per cent to 9.83 per cent for a 12-month term, plus a service payment. The talks are being held for company agreements because the conciliation council for a national award broke down.