A logistical decision that saw Fonterra’s planning and despatch team move to a new location has sparked the Dairy Workers Union into action.

The union complained to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) that the 6km shift from Pukete Rd in Hamilton to London St, triggered a clause in the workers’ employment contract that required a consultative committee to be created and the provision of a “disruption allowance.”

In a brief determination ERA member Marija Urlich said the clause the union was questioned was not triggered.

“The information before the authority was that for nine affected workers the shift increase their travelling distance between two and 5.5 kilometres. There was no evidence that this increase in distance caused any undue hardship or inconvenience,” Ms Urlich said.

Union national secretary James Ritchie said there were “extra costs” forced on workers who had to travel further to their workplace.

He admitted that just “three or four” workers were facing extra costs.

Mr Ritchie said the union pursued what seemed a relatively minor matter because of implications Fonterra’s decision might have in the future.