Strike action for tankers to hit Z energy
A union representative says workers are frustrated with their employer over the fairness of a proposed deduction clause in their employment contracts.
UPDATED: Z Energy off the hook – tanker strike action now unlikely
EARLIER: Almost 200 truckers from tanker company Pacific Fuel Haul have given notice of a four-day strike starting October 10.
The strike action will have an impact on both Caltex and Z Energy [NZX: ZEL], the strike’s organiser Jared Abbott says.
The two companies own roughly half of New Zealand petrol stations between them.
The announcement of strike action follows Z’s shares jumping 2.5% yesterday after the Commerce Commission released the company’s cross-submission answering critics of its proposed $785 million purchase of the Chevron assets.
The FIRST Union representative says workers are frustrated with their employer over the fairness of a proposed deduction clause.
The clause would allow a 1% deduction from employees’ wages if the company perceives that the employee has breached policy or procedure, Mr Abbott says.
Mr Abbott says he is currently in negotiation with Pacific Fuel Haul but cannot comment on how well the talks are going.
“We have come to an agreement with the company before, and it has changed its mind – so I’m not willing to say things are looking good until we get something in writing,” he tells NBR.
“The workers are calling on the company to make good on its word and settle the agreement. Reneging once could be put down to a mistake but reneging twice?”
He says the workers have now been left with no choice. Striking is only way the company will return to the table.
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Jason Walls
Tue, 29 Sep 2015
Tue, 29 Sep 2015
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Strike action for tankers to hit Z energy
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