Strike ends

Press, 28 September 1988, Page 4

Strike ends

Industrial reporter Striking Ansett workers will go back to work today after the parties have agreed to take their dispute over a relocation payment to arbitration. The general manager of finance for Ansett Airlines New Zealand, in Christchurch, Mr John Sheridan, said the action had caused no big problems, but some reservations inquiries had to be directed to Auckland. About 31 Ansett reservations and administrations staff, based at the airport until Monday’s move went on strike on Friday in support of a relocation payment for the move to the city. The workers, who will be based at an office in Victoria Street, will lose a tax-free allowance of up to $l7O per fortnight paid for working at the airport. The amount of compensation would be decided by the arbitrator, he said. The company had previously offered $5OO while the Canterbury Clerical Workers’ Union had sought about $2OOO. The union’s national secretary, Mr John Slater, said workers had resolved to continue their strike yesterday because of the way Ansett had treated them over the compulsory shift. Most of the workers in the action were the lowest paid in the company and their actions had ensured compensation would be paid, he said.