Workers seek 18.5% rise

Press, 2 December 1987, Page 2

Workers seek 18.5% rise

PA Wellington Electricorp workers are seeking an 18.5 per cent increase in wages and allowances.

The increase is being sought for a 15-month period and in framing the claims, the Public Service Association says it has included a concern for stability of employment.

Staff numbers have been reduced from 5999 to about 5000 since April, as the corporation seeks to reach a ceiling of 4894. A move to cut staff by 828 brought threats of power shutdowns from the P.S.A. and court action by both parties.

P.S.A. award claims emphasise the need for stability and confidence and the need for continuity of employment for highly skilled staff. This

would ensure the corporation entered into a competitive labour market on an advantageous basis. Claims argue that Electricorp should recognise its savings in reducing staff by about 16 per cent. Talks between the parties have entered their fourth day, with Electricorp having made an initial response to P.S.A. proposals. Electricorp’s industrial relations manager, Mr David Bedford, said the talks involved complex issues because old public service conditions were being transferred into a new environment. Instead of 40 to 50 determinations for different occupational groups, Electricorp was interested in agreements for each of the four busi-

ness divisions. A P.S.A. spokesman said the 15-month term sought related to other electrical agreements which were negotiated about February. He said the P.S.A. was unhappy about the reduction of jobs in the corporation.

“We don’t regard these jobs as ones that should be dispensed with and want further information in three of the four business areas,” he said. The P.S.A. was not satisfied with reasons why the jobs had to go.

“We are concerned about the safety of our members and the viability of the electricity system. We need a certain number of people to ensure the system is viable.”