Shaky future forces printers’ strike

Press, 24 August 1988, Page 3

Shaky future forces printers’ strike

PA Auckland The Government’s printing presses stopped yesterday while staff at the Auckland, Wellington and Masterton plants held a 24-hour stoppage in protest against the uncertainty of their futures under private ownership. The sale of Government Print along with other State businesses was announced in last month’s Budget but since then staff have been unable to get a guarantee their jobs will be safe under new owners. The Auckland office’s Public Service Association delegate, Ms Cherie Craib, said negotiations on work conditions once the sale went through had broken down. Management was unable to guarantee all staff would keep their jobs or be able to transfer to other State departments when a private firm took over.

Yesterday’s action halted all printing and most stationery distribution to Government offices in the North Island, the Wellington office staff marching on Parliament to air their grievances. Four extra carriages were attached to yesterday’s morning train from Masterton to Wellington to bring aboutloo Government Printing Office workers and families for a rally and protest. The general secretary of the P.S.A., Mr Colin Clark, said workers were fearful for their futures. The Government announced in June it would sell the department, although no date for the sale has been set. Staff decided last week to ban Parliamentary work and to strike for 24 hours from midnight on Monday.