Migrants Didn't Cause the Recession

UNION EXPRESS April - June 2009 Newspaper of the National Distribution Union www.ndu.org.nz

ORGANISING Page 3 YOUR RIGHTS Page 11 NEW BREASTFEEDING 0%? Yeah right. COUNT AND DOWN TO BREAK P.5 BARGAINING LAW Migrants didn't cause the recession

The National Distribution Union has joined unions and migrant THE NDU IS CALLING FOR: worker representatives in calling for solidarity between Kiwi and ■ Redirecting the tax cuts to creating jobs - did you know that the migrant workers as unemployment annual cost of the government's tax cuts is equal to 50,000 fulltime rises. jobs paying $15 an hour At a public meeting on the issue in Auckland, NDU National ■ Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour - lifting low wages is a Secretary, Laila Harré said, route out of poverty and into economic recovery “Recessions always give oxygen to fear and blame and we’ve already ■ Co-operation between unions in New Zealand and in migrant seen some of it here. As unionists workers' home countries to improve wages and job security for our job is to give oxygen to hope migrant workers here and their employment rights in their home and solidarity.” countries Dennis Maga, an NDU organiser and leader of the migrant workers group Migrante Aotearoa, said the recession to New Zealand and that opportunity to improve many migrant workers fear that we shouldn't allow a division to wages, training and productivity their temporary work permits could open among workers." the Department of Labour has let be revoked. Laila Harré said that all workers employers use migration to keep "The fact is that migrant workers were now paying the price of their wage and training bills down. are working in New Zealand. They "the boom and bust approach to "Now those workers need unions should be treated equally in the employment and unemployment. to protect their rights, and the NDU workplace," he said. We have had years of low will," said Laila. "Migrant workers did not bring unemployment. Rather than use

INSIDE: PHOTOS, SUDOKU & MORE Union hall NDU officer nominations p13 Help Air NZ Redundant bombing Flight "Lockout changed me" p14 workers unresolved "Keep 'em on their toes" p13 Attendants 'kidnap' boss p6 $10,000 in back pay p5 p6 p7 Page 2 Union Express | April - June 2009 NEWS www.ndu.org.nz Full index

Front page feature 1 NDU news and site wins 2-5 Community 5 Other union and Int’l news 6-7 Poster 8-9 Cartoon 2, 14 Feature 10 Your rights at work 11 Union democracy 12-13 Perspectives 14 Fun page 15 From the Exec/ Delegate Interview 14 Photos 16 Site Swipe 16

UNION EXPRESS

Bill Bradford, Sam Huggard, Simon Oosterman and all the worker bees.

■ WASTE RECYCLING: Everything from nappies to cow's head Submissions We actively encourage membership participation in your newspaper, the Express. You may fax, email or dictate a story for the Express. We are here to help. Pay rise makes up for cow's head “It’s unbelievable what gets Allbrite negotiated their first Peter Oloapu from Lower Next submission due date: 8/06/2009 WORKSITE WIN sorted,” she said. “Fish, food collective agreement and have Hutt said the workers wanting scraps, dirty nappies, even a moved workers from minimum a pay rise got a lot of people All comments, letters to the editor, artwork, poetry, Imagine turning up to work cow’s head once.” wages to $13.50 after a year's joining the union. Workers photos, ideas, stories should be sent to the following one day at your recycling job She says the workers deserve service. joined straight away when he contacts. to see the severed head of a more for the important job they “It’s a good agreement spoke with them, he said. dead animal staring up at you do. between the company and the For many workers it was their when you’re sorting the city’s “Why should they stay on union,” Margaret said. first time in a union, Margaret Contact us recycling? $13.50 an hour when they Members at Transpacific said. Email: [email protected] That’s not the least of it, should be on $15. Come on, Allbrite in Gisborne have also “I told them if you want to get said Margaret Love, delegate give them a decent wage. Their settled an agreement with a decent pay rise join the union, Phone: (09) 622 8433 at Transpacific Allbrite’s Hutt wages suck, to put it mildly”. similar terms, but different they’re the only ones who are Fax: (09) 622 8353 attention Union Express Valley site. Workers at Transpacific wages. going to back you up.” Address: 120 Church Street, Onehunga Postal Address: Private Bag 92904, Auckland Subscriptions: [email protected] (09) 622 8520 The rising tide of redundancies Change of address: 0800 438 638 The downturn in the textile factories are for sale as going “The union is hopeful these owned Blue Mountain Lumber industry continues to bite with concerns so it is possible that measures will be enough in Tapanui laying off 56 closures, redundancies and some jobs could be created if to reduce inventories to a workers. Photos short weeks confirmed in three either of them finds a buyer. manageable level and protect At Summit Wool Spinners in For NDU photos, visit: major companies. Carpet maker Cavalier jobs,” said Robert Reid. Oamaru, the NDU and EPMU www.flickr.com/photos/ndu Pacific Brands has confirmed Bremworth has negotiated a “If not the NDU will be talking have negotiated a nine day it will stop manufacturing at its series of four, four-day weeks to the company and government fortnight arrangement involving Disclaimer Christchurch and Palmerston with the NDU to try to reduce about the introduction of a nine an employer wage top-up. If the Opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily North plants with a total of 89 stock and inventory levels. The day fortnight at Cavalier.” application to the Government is represent the views of the National Distribution Union. workers being made redundant. four-day weeks will see workers Meanwhile layoffs in the successful, the scheme will save NDU President Robert Reid using holiday pay as payment embattled wood sector are up to 57 jobs at the recession hit said Pacific Brands said both for the fifth un-worked day. continuing with Malaysian company. National Distribution Union The NDU is a democratic organisation run by working THE POLITICIAN http://www.crumb-blackbirdblog.blogspot.com/ people for working people. We organise for a better future and for respect for ourselves and our families through building power on the job, in our industries and our community. www.ndu.org.nz NEWS Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 3 Countdown to bargaining

■ PROGRESSIVE BARGAINING: Mary Mahu (left) and Zoey Jackman building numbers to win

what a union was and what it workmates about joining. ORGANISING did. When I did that course “We got our store list, I learnt what the union was highlighted all the non- Zoey Jackson from all about and what it does.” union members and went GOT A PROBLEM Countdown Huntly knows “I found it really good. and talked to them.” that to win on the job you It gave me a full-on insight “Lots of people have need to have your mates in into everything. I thought been wanting to join the AT WORK BUT the union. it was good how we had to union - we recruited about She has been to an NDU practice a speech and get up 20 people in the last few ‘Organising our Stores’ in front of everyone. Now weeks.” DON'T KNOW seminar and was last month when you do the inductions, Zoey said the recession one of the delegates at the you can actually explain was a factor in people Northern national bargaining what the union is and what wanting to be in the union, HOW TO DEAL seminar for workers in it does.” and also people wanting to Foodtown, Woolworths Since going to the get a pay rise. and Countdown stores in Organising our Stores Bargaining between the WITH IT? the Progressive Enterprises seminar Zoey and her co- NDU and Progressive gets chain. delegate Mary Mahu have under way on April 20. “I actually didn’t know talked with the rest of their Minimum wage increase only 10c in 'real' terms The adult minimum wage increased a week for minimum wage adult by 50c to $12.50 an hour on April 1 workers. 2009. A worker on the adult minimum There is still no minimum wage for wage will now earn $100 for an eight workers 15 years-old and younger. hour day and $500 for a 40 hour week. The new entrants and trainee rate NEW MINIMUM WAGE increased by 40c to $10.00 an hour which is $80 for an eight hour day Minimum wage $12.50 and $400 for a 40 hour week. New entrants rate $10.00 NATIONAL Adjusted for inflation, the real gain 15 years and under $0 DISTRIBUTION in income is only 10c an hour or $3.78 UNION 0800 GET NDU Page 4 Union Express | April - June 2009 NEWS www.ndu.org.nz

Charlie was classed as a hundreds of workers’ NEWS BRIEFS WORKSITE WIN security officer under pay rates and obtained their old pay system tens of thousands of MECA for Ambulance Charlie Ngohe and was on the right pay dollars in back pay, he $10,000 has worked at The rate. said. officers Warehouse Cambridge But several months “The Warehouse pay for nine years as a loss later, Charlie says he system is unnecessarily ■ Ambulance Officers in the prevention officer. was put on the right pay complicated, confusing NDU have just won a 4.5 per cent During a work site rate and was surprised and is easily exploited,” across-the-board pay increase. St back pay a visit, organiser Simon to see $10,000 back pay he said. Johns workers in the Northern, Oosterman noticed in his bank account. Stockroom worker Midland and Central region have that Charlie was on the “Lucky for me and John agrees and says he been brought together under one wrong pay rate. my kids I was in the wants the pay steps to agreement which has resulted “With nine years NDU otherwise I would be based on service and in big pay parity adjustments to symptom service in his department never have known I not an unfair appraisal bring them all up to Northern Charlie should have was on the wrong rate,” system. rates. been earning an extra he said. “I put some “If we steal money $1.84 an hour,” he said. money in the bank and from the workplace it’s First Pak 'n Save cross-site Charlie had never bought the kids some called theft,” he said. of wider checked his pay rate presents.” “But if the company delegates forum before. Simon said that steals money from ■ Pak’n Save union delegates “I just thought I’d be Charlie wasn’t the you it’s called an across Auckland have met for on the right rate.” only worker at The oversight.” the first time to share their When the union Warehouse who was on experiences of getting the problem challenged The the wrong rate. union off the ground at each Warehouse they claimed The union has fixed store. Foodstuffs have put up a number of barriers to growing the union. Delegates now have plans for organising their own stores as well as supporting each other. Rodney Hide has Easter in his sights In 2007 NDU retail workers joined up with time off with their friends, family and Minimum wage referendum churches and community groups to stop two communities, like most other workers bills in Parliament that would have forced can." ■ Voters will have the chance next retail workers to work on Good Friday and Shop workers will be most directly election to say what they think Easter Sunday. affected by liberalisation, but opening about poverty wages. Unite Union But now ACT leader Rodney Hide wants to shops at Easter will impact on everyone. is planning a national petition take Easter away again. Sports tournaments, marae working to get a referendum on raising He said shop trading hours laws will be bees, church services, family holidays the minimum wage to $15 an included in a government review of unnecessary and other social activities will feel the hour, then to two-thirds of the bureaucracy, and that people “just want to get impact. average wage. A Citizens Initiated on with their lives unhindered by silly rules.” More details about the review will Referendum happens when 10 NDU national secretary Laila Harré says our come out later in the year, so stay per cent of voters sign a petition Easter trading laws are not silly rules. posted to NDU Express and your union calling for a national vote on an "There are currently only 3½ out of 365 noticeboard for how you can help save issue. The last ones were in 1999, days a year when shops can’t trade," she Easter again for retail workers. on crime and the number of MPs. says. "It means retail workers can enjoy some ■ TIME OFF AT EASTER: Blown out of the water

Hiding Grill 'em from CULTURE the Workers at Foodstuffs Distribution Centre in Dunedin know how to party, and have just had their annual union barbeque boss? to prove it. Union delegate Pio Poutu says everyone puts in $2 a week to a raffle, and half of the money goes back out as a prize each week, We know the perfect place. and the rest pays for the annual barbeque. “We normally raise about $1,000. It Affordable Willowhaven is 100% union owned supplies all the soft drinks, patties, bread, holiday park on Lake Rotorua. sausages, and the hall hire if it rains.” “Everyone I talked to found our BBQ We have single units from as low as $50 for one night totally different to the what the company’s BBQ was like, they weren’t in little groups, and $250 for seven nights. The units all have cooking everyone was one big family.” facilities, televisions, toilet/bathroom and if you “The whole emphasis on running the prefer camping laundry and kitchen facilities are raffle is to give members a different focus available. of what the union is about.” “During the year we use some of the raffle money to give presentations to Power Sites are $10.40 per adult per night and tent members who have left, and to send a sites $8 per adult per night. card if someone’s wife is sick. These little things help a bit.” “We try to make our membership Call us about our special NDU rates stronger, more stable - that was the whole emphasis on how the fundraising started.” www.willowhaven.co.nz “We're trying to create a different positive concept of what the union can do for workers. They are the union!” 07 357 4092 ■ BBQ: You're telling me now you want fries with that? www.ndu.org.nz NEWS Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 5 Zero per cent? - Yeah right! Not long ago Foodstuffs delegate Gary Clement was working as a storeman in Australia. He was getting more pay in the hand than he gets before tax working at Foodstuffs here in New Zealand. Gary has been working for the company for 16 months now and says the hourly pay is appallingly low. “I compare it to when I was a kid, one income could support a working family – now you need both mum and dad working.” Since February, South Island Foodstuffs distribution centre workers have been renegotiating their collective agreement. It covers union members employed by the company in Papanui, Hornby, Timaru and Dunedin. The company has offered a zero per-cent increase, and no changes to any other working conditions. Foodstuffs South Island Cooperative made a total gross profit in 2008 of $221 million, up from $197 million in 2007. A point of dispute is the 8-step pay scale, which the workers want to scrap in favour of a fairer 3-step scale based on the system used at Foodstuffs in Auckland. “This merit system absolutely stinks. It’s subjective whether you get a wage increase or not, and a lot of personality comes into it,” Gary said. “It can take 10 years to get to the top level of $15.80 – in Auckland they’re getting $16.56 after ■ FOODSTUFFS DC WORKERS: Fed up only 2 months employment.” COMMUNITY KiwiSaver changes In December 2008 Government • Government Member Tax rushed through new laws covering Credits will stay at dollar for Organising can get KiwiSaver. dollar up to $20.00 per week • Government Employer Tax From April 1, 2009: Credits will end • All employers will move • Government Fee Subsidies to compulsory minimum ($40.00 per annum) will end good cheap food, too contributions of 2% of before • Employer contributions tax earnings if the worker is in currently tax exempt up to 4% Workers are tightening their KiwiSaver will be exempt only to 2% belts to help in these tough times. • All employees will be able to With the lower entry level Grill 'em Two industries are booming. contribute from a minimum of 2% more lower income earners will One of them is debt collection and of before tax earnings. Options be able to afford to participate in the other is gardening centres. include 2%, 4%, or 8% KiwiSaver. New Zealanders are going back to the garden in droves. Henderson Valley Primary property manager and Service and Food Workers Union member Tony Phillips says food co-operatives are another way to save money. Every sixth Saturday, Tony heads into Auckland city to buy bulk food from Kai Tika organic food co-operative. “I’m on a really tight budget because I earn piss-all money,” he says. “You can’t beat the prices from our co-op because we buy the food collectively in bulk.” Don’t get put into just any KiwiSaver scheme Tony says workers should be able to afford organic food which Remember, when you sign up IRIS is the union KiwiSaver is healthy and reduces pesticides for KiwiSaver, you get to choose scheme for all New Zealand from the environment. which scheme you join. workers. “While you would normally pay cost plus 30-80% at an organic If you filled in a form but didn’t Join or swap today – shop, we get food at cost price choose the scheme you wanted call IRIS toll free on plus 4% to cover expenses.” your savings to go to, they will 0800 650 836 “The co-op is non-profit, so be put into one of the default everyone has to set up and pack schemes. You will be helping down the shop every now and grow the profits of the banks or then which is a good time to do a insurance companies. bit of socialising and catch up on gossip.” ours, look for another one and if If you’d rather join a scheme that Tony encourages you to join one doesn’t exist – start one up KAI TIKA FOOD CO-OP is run only to profit members – Kai Tika if you live near central with friends or co-workers.” join or swap to IRIS KiwiSaver. IRIS Auckland, “But if you don’t join Email: [email protected]

Mag-ad-1/4-page.indd 1 29/8/08 8:54:57 AM Page 6 Union Express | April - June 2009 MOVEMENTMOVEMENT NEWS NEWS www.ndu.org.nz NEWS BRIEFS

Cleaners 5 cents above minimum wage

■ SFWU: Cleaners protested outside Parliament earlier this month to remind politicians of the wage gap for workers who clean government departments and other commercial buildings. Cleaners in public hospitals earn a minimum of $14.62 an hour, and directly-employed school cleaners will be paid the same rate ■ SEALORD: Thinking only of money (the company that is!) Photo: Nelson Mail from 1 July this year. But cleaners working in central city buildings and Government departments are paid just $12.55 an hour - a mere 5 cents above the new statutory Nelson workers march against closure minimum wage. Cleaner Mele A call out for support for "It's not fair on us and the and want help and advice. The company are now seeking Peaua (pictured) told the rally that Sealord workers and other workers company is thinking only of its Since the march, Sealord have increased profits through reduced the job she did was hard work who are losing their jobs through money and its product," she said. confirmed the disestablishment of employment conditions as well,” and the wages were too low. "The restructuring attracted 200 people The organisers of the march, the the wet fish night shift with the says Neville Donaldson, SFWU Government should make sure all to a march and rally in Nelson on Service and Food Workers Union loss of around 120 jobs. Assistant National Secretary.” cleaners get a living wage." March 21st. Nga Ringa Tota, said it was about "The predominant feeling "Sealord's position puts a whole Sealord day shift worker Susie offering support for workers who of workers affected was anger, new definition to the meaning of Don’t privatise our Port Falloon told the Nelson Mail that are already facing redundancy, but as they feel they have worked Corporate greed.” she joined the march to show also about offering information hard and increased productivity NDU members in Nelson ■ MUNZ: The Maritime Union Nelsonians that Sealord was and support to others who are over recent years but now that are also facing redundancies, at says that if board members cutting their wages and overtime. feeling vulnerable about their jobs goal is no longer good enough. Nelson Pine. of Ports of Auckland are not comfortable with the Port being publicly owned, they should clear out. "There is obviously a faction out there who want to Union hall bombing bring back port privatisation Air New Zealand plans from the dead,” Maritime Union Local 13 President Denis remains unsolved Carlisle said. "It seems bizarre Zeal workers need at a time when the deregulation who had ironically been awarded and privatisation agenda has HISTORY life membership of the Cleaners been completely discredited Union just the day previous to the your support globally that there are people bombing.” who still want to continue on This year marks the 25th The lack of a definite motive down the same old path." He anniversary of the Wellington by the bomber hampered said that the privatization Trades Hall bombing, which took investigations. An initial theory strategy with the Ports of place on 27 March 1984. centered on a bus strike that had Auckland failed in the 1990s Ernie Abbott, the caretaker at occurred the day before. due to mass public opposition Wellington's Trades Hall, was Trades Hall was a union and recent attempts to part- killed instantly when he moved a building so it was suspected the privatise the Ports of Lyttelton booby-trapped suitcase bomb was aimed at had also ended in failure. which had been a unionist. left in the hallway. Trades Council Despite lengthy Executive members After six months of negotiations Workers locked out, then police investigations, were also there that flight attendants at Air NZ subsidiary the crime remains day organising an Zeal320 are taking industrial action. paid for it unsolved. industrial campaign ■ UNITE: Management at a North Ernie was Vice against wage They’re paid tens of thousands of Shore call centre threatened to President of the freeze provisions dollars a year less than other cabin call the police after workers took Caretakers and introduced by crew who do the same job on the same strike action. The multi – national Cleaners Union, which the Muldoon routes wearing the same uniform. company Oceania Customer later became part of Government. Interaction Service locked out 59 the Service and Food ■ ERNIE: Union martyr A $25,000 reward Since industrial action began the workers who were campaigning Workers Union Nga - then the largest company has threatened and bullied to raise their minimum wage to Ringa Tota (SFWU). ever put up in New Zealand, and members. But they are standing strong. $15 an hour. Emergency talks the Don Swan, who currently doubled to $50,000 in 1985 - was day after the lockout led to an works for the SFWU but was offered for information, but the Now they need you to give initial 50 cents an hour increase an organizer for the Wellington crime remains unsolved. them your support. and guaranteed payment for Cleaners Union in 1984, said Ernie NDU president, Robert Reid workers who lost shifts due to the was a trade union martyr. also remembers the day of the Join the Facebook group lockout. “He was killed at a very difficult bombing well. He sat in a Trades “We support Zeal 320 workers” and visit time in New Zealand trade union Council Executive meeting at the www.epmu.org.nz/zeal for more info. history, when Prime Minister Trades Hall for the whole day, Muldoon was daily whipping up only metres away from the ticking Email a message of support anti-union hysteria. bomb. Luckily he left a few to [email protected] “It was inevitable that someone minutes before the bomb went off would pay the price for this and sad to pick up his kids from football that this person should be Ernie, practice. www.epmu.org.nz/zeal MOVEMENT NEWS www.ndu.org.nz INTERNATIONAL NEWS Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 7 NEWS BRIEFS 90% of bailed-out corporate bonuses taken back in tax ■ USA: The US Congress has voted through legislation to impose a 90% tax rate on the $165 million of bonuses paid to executives of insurance conglomerate AIG. The bonuses were paid to 418 employees, including $33.6 million to 52 people who have left the failed insurance giant. 73 people received more than a million dollar each. American International Group has received nearly $180 billion in bailout funds from US taxpayers. A busload of activists paid visits to the lavish homes of AIG executives to protest the tens of millions of dollars in bonuses paid out. Workers demand freedom Thousands protest G20 for union president and

■ G20 RALLY: 35,000 take to the streets of London unpaid wages 35,000 people marched unions, told assembled protesters ensure that everyone on this In Vienna, around 6,500 people ■ IRAN: Workers in Haft Tapeh through the streets of London in London's Hyde Park that the planet gets the food, the shelter gathered in the city centre, with Sugar Cane Company went on on March 28 to send a strong G20 needed to "take actions to and the health care that they paper piggy banks, balloons or strike on April 7 in protest at message to the 20 leading lay the foundation for a better need," he said. signs that read "We won't pay non-payment of their wages industrial nations. world." There were also rallies in for your crisis" and "Capitalism for the past two months and Known as the G20, the group "If we can generate fabulous other parts of Europe, including can't be reformed." Others blew the arrest and detention of of the world’s most powerful wealth, as we can, then surely 25,000 in Berlin and 10,000 in whistles, chanted or danced to Mr. Ali Nejati, the president of leaders were holding a summit we can learn how to distribute Barcelona. Thousands of Greek music blasting from trucks or a their union. The strike ended on the global financial crisis. that wealth more fairly. If we workers went on a 24 hour stage in front of parliament. after the company promised to Brendan Barber, who heads can unleash a technological nationwide walk out to coincide pay unpaid wages and to take an umbrella group for Britain's revolution then surely we can with the summit. the workers other demands into consideration. Mr. Nejati remains in detention and has INTERVIEW been charged with "acting against national security" as Bossnapped! a result of his union activity and the formation of the trade Traditional farming a solution When American multinational 3M announced union. job cuts globally, it didn’t anticipate the kidnapping of one of its French managers. Take action here: But it probably should have. http://www.labourstart.org/ to poverty in Sri Lanka France is facing cgi-bin/solidarityforever/show_ Sri Lankan activist Sarath Fernando says workers much lower wages. the same economic campaign.cgi?c=468 small, traditional farming is the solution Local control of a basic food necessity woes as the rest to reducing poverty in his country, and he was lost when milk production was of the world but is helping to build a people’s coalition to privatised in the 1980s, he said. French workers Victory for Airport cleaners achieve just that. “Farmers used to keep a few cattle for low have reacted to the “The global economic crisis has told cost production of milk. Now Sri Lanka is situation in their ■ HOLLAND: After a three month us we need to be more self sustainable,” dependent on 85% imported milk products, own unique way. campaign including a four day Sarath told NDU Express, while in New including from Fonterra and Nestle. Milk Anger over job strike and lawsuits, cleaners at Zealand recently as a guest of Christian is out of reach of poor people.” cuts and a militant Schiphol Airport have ended World Service. But a fight back is occurring in Sri worker culture has their strike and employers have “If the government is to become Lanka. led to widespread ■ LE HOSTAGE met most of their demands. The less dependent on credit, it must adopt “It is very necessary to join with urban protests by workers union called the achievement a an economy that requires less capital workers, plantation workers, women, including locking bosses in their offices and ‘great victory’. Cleaner Judy Lock: investment, and uses Sri Lanka’s nature for trade unions… to create an alternative forcing them to negotiate. “Stop thinking that merely being low cost, sustainable agriculture.” approach.” When workers at a 3M factory in Pithiviers a member of the union is enough. Sarath says the restructuring And an agricultural organisation faced 110 redundancies out of 255 staff, they No way: organise a majority of of Sri Lanka’s economy since which Sarath founded in 1990 has decided to “bossnap” manager Luc Rousselet. your co-workers and agitate! Then the 1970s hurt workers and started programmes to develop Union representative Jean-Francois Caparros the agreement will follow sooner farmers. Many sections rural agriculture and decrease told the London Evening Standard that or later. I’m really glad!” of the economy were poverty. management was responsible for the situation. privatised, including “People are picking it up "If they want to reorganise their business, let oil, chemicals, textiles with great interest, but it them pay for it,” he said. OOPS! and transport. requires training, instruction “This kind of action is the only negotiating Like New Zealand, and reorientation. It will take tool we have. The director is in no danger. All Sri Lanka’s textile time, but with a bottom-up we are asking is that our demands for fairer pay industries have been process, the smallest farmers and conditions are met." hurt by the removal can do well.” Workers fed Rousselet mussels and French of protections, fries for dinner. and companies ■ Full article: Rousselet was released the next day and the have shifted ndu.org.nz company entered into negotiations. production to Earlier in March the head of Sony France and countries two managers at a tire maker were also locked that pay in their offices. t h e i r David Lead of Control Risk Group explained If you drove all the way to Putararu to Forbes.Com that the preservation of jobs is a to find the local Warehouse, major goal for workers and unions in France, “so we're sorry! The photo of nightfill companies, particularly those that are engaging workers on the backpage of the in pre-emptive layoffs are facing problems." last issue was from The Warehouse Whangarei! 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MANY FACES , MANY VOICES, ONE UNION Page 10 Union Express | April - June 2009 FEATURE www.ndu.org.nz Gandhi inspired community

agriculture ■ GREEN TREE FOUNDATION: Environmentalism, social justice and community building by Tom Wright is groundnut, a peanut whose price is from the work of GTF, Mahesh, no demands on natural forest. So far, 15 so low the farmers struggle to support longer has to make the trip. Mahesh was farmers have planted Sesbania in their n a quiet corner of South India, a themselves. Gangi Setty, the first literate introduced to a modern papaya variety, flower crops – this year, another 100 are movement is growing. Fueled by man from a tiny village in Anantapur, is Sona 23, by the Green Tree Foundation receiving their trees from the GTF. IGandhian idealism and modern on a mission – ‘I want to turn the lives of and he now has an acre of plants, earning Most villages in South India are fairly environmentalism, a small group of people, the people around, transforming ‘infinite him 100,000 rupees a year, around $3,300; barren and devoid of vegetation, with dust including local teachers union members’, poor’ into ‘infinite green richness’’. He is no small amount in rural South India. and mud coming in equal measures. Not are inspiring the villages to plant and a man who backs up words with action. Five labourers are now employed by so in Bandla Palli, one of 15 local villages care for trees. Combining self-help Gangi remembers his childhood well – Mahesh and two others work selling the to benefit from the ‘Backyard horticulture’ economics, reforestation and education, walking hours to get to and from school, fruit at the market, an indication of the projects of Gangi and his volunteers. the tree planting projects lift incomes, stealing groundnuts from the fields, flow-on effects in the local economy such Gangi is particularly enthusiastic provide food and employment and help leading his goats ventures can have. about this community-orientated work; to stop the spread of the desert. Last year, into the hills Sometimes ‘Back Yard Horticulture eliminates the I was lucky enough to visit the projects and learning the problems mental poverty from the hearts of the and the people making them happen. the pattern of "I want to turn facing farmers communities. People feel happy for Anantapur district is an arid region in the boulder- have solutions having their own fruits and appreciate southern Andhra Pradesh. The second- dominated the lives of the so simple they the cool shade for their guests, kids and fastest growing desert area in India, the landscape. are overlooked their oxen under the trees’. Each family is locals joke that the English translation of As he came people around, for years. Many provided with four to five trees with the their district is ‘infinite poor’ (‘ananta’ of age, Gangi farmers in Andhra aim being to provide a variety of uses. means infinite in the local language, became aware transforming Pradesh grow a While the situation in India couldn’t Telugu). The staple crop of the region of the desert crop of Crosandra be more different from things here in expanding, ‘infinite poor’ flowers, which New Zealand, I believe the work of the the greenery they sell to the Green Tree Foundation has important dwindling, and into ‘infinite cities during lessons for us here in New Zealand. The the fortunes of festivals. The plant combination of environmental concern, the farmer’s green richness". requires shade to social justice and community building is falling. Gangi bloom well, so an increasingly important and potent one. emphasizes for many years It is not only farmers who are affected by his personal experience of this tragic farmers have been planting the Castor drought and other results of a changing process, “I am no stranger to the effects oil plant between the rows of Crosandra. climate. One needs only to think about caused by drought and famine. Right Unfortunately, the Castor oil plant secretes how our own wallets have been affected from childhood I have been witnessing toxins through its roots and is liable to by the recent hike in the price of food to this. During 1986, 1988, 1997, 1998, attract diseases to the flower crop. gain some insight into what could be just 2001 and 2004 there were farmer The GTF, with the advice of an around the corner. It is important for us suicides in this district. I realised that American tree crop expert, suggested to the in New Zealand to offer our solidarity to the farmers’ were committing suicide farmer’s that they could replace the Castor those, like the farmer’s in India, who are because of fear of hunger and debts”. with another tree, Sesbania. Sesbania is on the front line feeling the effects Gangi Setty is a teacher and a member a fast growing tree that works well to of a changing climate. Their of the local district teacher’s union – a provide the level of shade required by the work is ours as well. union larger than the NDU. Gangi flowers. Not only that, it also provides became a teacher because he felt that as oil and protein rich seeds for human and the first literate man in his village, he livestock food, had a responsibility to share his learning as well as with others. But he early on encountered providing a problem – the poor children were too pole timber hungry to learn, and were forced to go out for the with their goats and work instead. It didn’t farmers, take too long to see the links between reducing desertification, famine and poverty. The Green Tree Foundation (GTF) was born. Today Gangi and a team of volunteers and workers plant around 20,000 trees a year. The trees go into two types of projects – income generation projects for farmers and community planting projects, such as trees for schools and backyard kitchen gardens for villages. Income generation is vital in this region – groundnut prices are low and many farmers are forced to migrate to nearby Bangalore every off-season, working as unskilled labourers to provide for their families. One farmer who is benefiting www.ndu.org.nz YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 11 New break and breast feeding law by Clare Abaffy NDU Senior Lawyer From 1 April 2009 employees are entitled to paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks. Employees are entitled to: • one paid 10 minute rest break when working for 2 hours or more (up to four hours); • one paid 10 minute rest break and one 30 minute unpaid meal break when working for more than four hours (up to six hours); and • two paid 10 minute meal breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal break when working for more than six hours (up to eight hours). ■ MEAL BREAKS: "I've got marmite and cheese, want to swap?" The entitlements re-start after the eighth hour, so an employee working 10 hours is entitled The law says that you and Member Support Centre (0800 break unless you agree to this. meal break either at the beginning to three paid 10 minute rest your employer must agree on the GET NDU) so we can negotiate If you agree to take the meal or the end of that shift period – so breaks and one unpaid 30 minute timing of the breaks. If you can’t with your employer about this. break in the middle of the that the employee doesn’t lose meal break. Employees are agree then the employer should For example, if you work four four hours and do not agree to any pay and doesn’t have to come also entitled to take additional spread the breaks across the work and a half hours and you are have your pay reduced, you to work earlier or leave work later unpaid breaks to breastfeed or period as evenly as possible. already getting a 15 minute paid will need to stay an extra 30 than they did before 1 April. express milk – your employer Some employers are forcing meal break, you are now entitled minutes at work. If you agree must provide you with an employees to agree to reduce to an additional 30 minute unpaid to take the meal break at the appropriate place to do this. their paid work hours because meal break. You can agree with beginning or end of the four LOST 30 MINUTES? If you are already getting of the changes. They have your employer when you will hours, you will be able to arrive Have you lost 30 minutes the same or longer paid rest said that workers must take take the meal break. You can and leave work as usual. as a result of the new breaks or unpaid meal breaks, a 30 minute unpaid break take the break at the start, in The NDU is currently break law? Call us! you won’t be entitled to any part way through their shift the middle, or at the end of the negotiating with a number of extra breaks. If you are not and lose 30 minutes pay. four and a half hours. But, your employers to get agreement that receiving the above breaks your If this is happening to you employer cannot reduce your pay employees can extend their shift employer must give them to you. then you should contact the NDU to four hours because of the meal by 30 minutes and take the unpaid 0800 GET NDU

Sick of dealing Under attacck with ACC? The National Party has begun an attack on the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) that ACC claimants, The Workplace Injury Advocacy Service health providers and unions say proves they are determined can help you access your ACC entitlements to turn the scheme into a political football, and let the including a safe return to work. insurance industry run workers’ accident cover for a profit. The Council of Trade Unions have looked through We can: some of Nick Smith’s rhetoric, and have responded to some of his accusations. ■ Find the best way to resolve any problem in ACC Minister Nick Smith claims that ACC is insolvent. accessing your ACC entitlement

This is untrue. ACC has ■ Help to prepare for meetings with ACC or an revenue of about $4 billion a year and expenditure of less "We can't call an ambulance. He doesn't allow personal calls accredited employer than $3 billion a year. It also has on company time." reserves of more than $10 billion. ■ Support you at meetings or mediation

Nick Smith says there has been Nick Smith says that “ACC Is the ACC scheme expensive? a deterioration in rehabilitation costs are out of control”. and return to work rates. ACC is one of the most cost- Contact our advocates Malcolm McNeill and This is untrue. However it is effective injury compensation In fact ACC has the best true that the number and claims schemes in the world. Employers Anthony Rimell at: rehabilitation rates of any is increasing more than the pay more for work injury comparable scheme in the world. population and inflation is, cover in Australia, Canada and [email protected], or call: Despite some decline recently, because of legislation changes the US - in some cases, twice mainly due to legislative giving better coverage, higher as much as New Zealand. 0800 4 UNION changes requiring ACC to do medical and physiotherapy more to assist retraining, ACC treatment costs, and New ■ www.fairness.org.nz performance remains excellent Zealand’s higher accident (0800 486 466) on international standards. rates than other countries. Page 12 Union Express | April - June 2009 UNION EDUCATION/UNION BUSINESS www.ndu.org.nz UPCOMING EDUCATION Introduction to being a Union call union delegate centre goes HAWKES BAY 21 & 22 Apr PALMERSTON NRT 6 & 7 May HAMILTON 13 & 14 May nationwide AUCKLAND 20 & 21 May DUNEDIN 9 & 10 Jun Following a sucessful trial in AUCKLAND 10 & 11 Jun Auckland, from Monday 6th of April WHANGAREI 23 & 24 Jun the NDU is rolling out its Member WELLINGTON 2 & 3 Sep Support Centre for delegates and GISBORNE 15 & 16 Sep members nationwide. AUCKLAND 9 & 10 Sep The centre is your first point of CHRISTCHURCH 1 & 2 Oct call whenever you need assistance ROTORUA 20 & 21 Oct from the NDU. Before calling your PALMERSTON NRT 17 & 18 Nov organiser, ring the Centre first. HAMILTON 18 & 19 Nov The centre is staffed by Chris Lennon and Nick Mayne, who are able to answer inquiries regarding Organising in our industry your workplace issues and collective agreements. Ambulance They work closely with your ROTORUA 27 & 28 Apr organisers, to ensure that you receive Manufacturing accurate and up to date information. PALMERSTON NRT 19 & 20 May Logistics/Distribution/Road Transport NEED HELP? AUCKLAND 25 & 26 Jun 0800 GET NDU ■ MEMBER SUPPORT CENTRE: "Who you gonna to call?" Retail/Foodstuffs AUCKLAND 29 & 30 Sep Wood ROTORUA 6 & 7 Nov Laundry recently WELLINGTON 3 & 4 Nov Trading places moved off a National bargaining There’s often not a lot of choice After five years at Bunnings benefit into workshop about becoming a delegate. You’re Newtown, two as a delegate the trusted person that others (and 10 second TV star) during work, work come to for advice. Or the stroppy the campaign for a collective Godfrey Hirst member who took a stand. Next agreement, Richie Morris says PALMERSTON NRT 14 Jul irregular thing you’re saving someone’s job becoming a Wellington cross- Cavalier or on a picket line fighting for a sector organiser is “ a bit like hours or work PALMERSTON NRT TBA Jul-Sep pay rise. After learning the ropes being a delegate full time in lots of as delegates, three members have workplaces plus doing the ‘bigger two jobs? just taken another plunge – into picture’ work.” Work like dressing Senior delegates leadership working for the union. up as an bunny to protest against This is for research into peoples experiences of moving To be announced Leilani Bennett, Christchurch the latest attempts to open shops between work and the benefit system. The purpose of textile worker, has taken on at Easter! the research is to help make better policy for workers and NDU ROCs the union growth challenge. Ace So’o spent last year families in the future. She’s been at work in the local building the union at Northern, Central and Southern ROC Foodstuffs DCs and is about to L’Oreal, organising Child Poverty Action Group is a non-profit organisation. 23 April (all on 23 April) take on our first local Pak n industrial action and We are not affiliated with any political party. All interviews Northern, Central and Southern ROC Save. Leilani says it’s been a winning a collective are confidential, and will not form part of any government 15 October (all on 15 Oct) huge change stepping from agreement. Now database, delegate to recruiter. “I’m she is spreading NDU Delegate forums used to factory work unionism beyond If you would like to take part please contact Donna Wynd. AUCKLAND West 17 Jun and moving into this her old workplace Phone 021-2377-779, or email [email protected] AUCKLAND South 18 Jun environment and as a Growth AUCKLAND Central 19 Jun dealing with Unit recruiter in HAMILTON 25 Jun a lot of new Auckland. When ROTORUA / TAURANGA 26 Jun i n d u s t r i e s we went to press WHANGAREI / KAITAIA 1 Jul is very she was in week NAPIER / HASTINGS 1 Jul different. I two and out on NEW PLYMOUTH 3 Jul am finding the job signing CHRISTCHURCH 3 Jul it exciting up new members WELLINGTON 22 Jul – especially at Turners and DUNEDIN / OAMARU 22 Jul gearing up Growers. Go PALMERSTON NRT / LEVIN 23 Jul for Pak N Girl. INVERCARGILL 23 Jul Save.” GISBORNE 24 Jul NELSON 24 Jul WOMENS TBA MAY DAY AND WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES (AS AT TIME OF PRINTING) FONO ROTORUA 27, 28, 29,30 Aug Auckland Wellington Palmerston North Blackball, West Coast AUCKLAND 27 Nov May Day rally: Friday May 1, 5pm, Workers Memorial Day rally: May Day Concert: Saturday May Mayday: Draft programme - Friday Brittomart, Queen street march Tuesday April 28, 12:15pm Rally 2, 7.30pm, Regent on Broadway, May 1 8.00pm: Choir; Saturday May RUNANGA TBA followed by 5.30pm rally in Aotea at the Workers Memorial on the gold coin donation. Special guests: 2, 10.00am: Forum - The current Square. Waterfront, between Te Papa and Grassroots Union Choir of Tasmania political and economic situation and May Day function: Saturday May 2, Circa Theatre role of the left, 2.00pm: Workshop CONTACT Christchurch Maritime Club, 3pm-7pm. More May Day dinner: Friday May 1, Grand around Blackball ‘08 Memorial May Day Dinner: Trade Union info: [email protected], 09 Century restaurant, Tory Street. Shrine, 8.00pm: Play - The Curator of Regina Mune Centre, 7pm. Food, music, guest 303 2562. Unions will be buying ‘tables’, and Baghdad, a story from Guantanamo. NDU National Education speaker Paul Corliss, $30.00 per tickets will be available from the More info: Paul - 03 732 4010 or: Co-ordinator head. Contact the Christchurch union. Contact Wellington office on office on 03 379 7671 for more [email protected]. Phone: 09 622 8355 04 803 3460. information. Fax: 09 622 8353 More info on both Wellington [email protected] events: [email protected] www.ndu.org.nz UNION DEMOCRACY Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 13 Oil refinery workers self-organise across the ditch A conversation between Brisbane first meeting in Melbourne in September and Sydney oil refinery workers over a 1994.” few beers at the Sharks Leagues Club in “All our members put in two dollars 1993 started a trans-tasman worker-led a week to fund our participation in cooperation initiative that has lasted over the committee. Every time we go, the 15 years. delegate takes a new face. We have When workers from a Brisbane oil four shifts, A, B, C and D, and we put refinery visited workers at a refinery the boys' names in the hat and a shiftie is in Sydney, they began discussing the pulled out of the hat.” problems concerning the Oil Companies “We do a site visit to a refinery, then a Cartel banding together against the two-day meeting to discuss how the other workers in all the Australian refineries. sites are getting on in their wage rounds, They decided to set up their own cartel, any health and safety issues, common and the AROC (Australasian Refineries gripes, industrial law changes.” Operatives Committee) was born. “They’re bloody interesting. Makes NDU site delegate at the Marsden Oil you register how good it is at home – our refinery in New Zealand, Brian Jones, refinery is one of the best, and cleanest said that AROC started off just being I’ve ever seen. It really is.” driven by Australian workers, but then “You’d have to be naive to think that they quickly realised they needed to HR don’t talk to each other. That’s involve their counterparts across the the value of it – cross referencing of Tasman. knowledge, we know where we sit “Then they thought shit – we’ve got financially with their wages compared to New Zealand in there, that aren’t part ours,” Brian said. ■ MIDNIGHT OIL of this. And so we were invited to the "I do it to keep the bosses on their toes" DELEGATE FOCUS

WE WANT YOU! Unions are democratic organisations. Important positions that help coordinate, execute and make decisions in the union are elected by members. UNION CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR NATIONAL POSITIONS The union is calling for nominations for: National President, National Vice- President, National Secretary, Sector Sectaries, Regional Secretaries for a four year term and National Executive members for a two year term. Nominations for national union positions close: 12 noon July 1 2009

■ PAUL TAURIMA: Getting back to his roots If nominations exceed the number of vacancies called for, elections will be held at the regional delegates conferences which are being held on 8th September For Paul Taurima, retiring next year from Paul used to be with the Ministry of (Southern region) 9th September (Central region) 10th September (Northern region). his job at Foodstuffs Distribution Centre Works, and then when that closed down (DC) in Silverstream near Wellington is in the 1980s he came out to the Foodstuffs REGIONAL DELEGATES CONFERENCE REPRESENTATION just the start of a new part of his life, going Silverstream site. There’s only another Each sector is entitled to be represented by up to one delegate per seventy- back home to work on his hapu’s Treaty of year to go here before the DC shifts to its financial members in that sector in their region. All sites will be notified of the Waitangi claim. new Palmerston North site, he said. number of representatives they are entitled to choose on 29 June 2009. Those Paul is a member of Ngati Tu, a hapu Paul has been working there for 20 years, chosen to attend the conferences must be notified by 10th August 2009. within Ngati Kahungungu, and is retiring and is clear about why he is a union man. from Foodstuffs next year to return to “To keep the bosses on their toes. We Nominations for regional delegates conference close: Napier to be his family’s representative on had no input into the conditions, health and their Treaty claim. safety. The workers didn’t have any input. 12 noon July 27 2009 For him, it is getting back to his roots, It wasn’t good enough!” and he said he is genuinely excited. His is a union family – his wife is a “The spade work has been done. There is member of the Service and Food Workers ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS always a need for a family member on the Union Nga Ringa Tota, and both his sons Annual general meetings will be held at the regional delegates conferences. claims team, and my brother did the recent used to work for Foodstuffs in Silverstream term on behalf of the whanau.” and were union members. Page 14 Union Express | April - June 2009 PERSPECTIVES www.ndu.org.nz LETTER OF THE ISSUE "The Progressive lockout changed my life" by Ataria Taiwati first involvement with the NDU. After the workers won, That’s what empowered that it’s about working as a Regional Delegate, The Warehouse I was recently elected as I felt really guilty I didn’t me to get up and stand up. group to empower others to the NDU regional delegate support him more. I used to be quiet and weak. stand up for themselves. My partner Shane was one as The Warehouse for Through the struggle I learnt I was a “yes please”, “I’ll do it” Ever since the dispute I’ve of the workers who was locked Central – Wellington. that [he] was right. He taught kind of person. I was the “go been more aware. Ever since out three years ago during the The lockout caused a lot of me to think different and I saw to” and the “go fetch” person. the day they walked back Progressive Distribution Centre problems between us. I was that it was actually the company But I got sick and tired of it. through the gate to work with lock out. He went on strike for a resentful for what Shane put our that put us in that position and Don’t get me wrong. I their heads up, when they had day for equal pay across the four family through. My daughter they took advantage of us. grew up with The Warehouse, won, our life has been better. distribution centres and wasn’t was six at the time and we were Shane knew his worth, he they’ve helped me a lot and We are a closer family and let back in through the gate when also looking after our 13 year was strong, stood tall and I’ve given 110%, but that our lives are more prosperous. they tried to go back to work. old niece. I begged him to go he went out and got what he doesn’t mean I have to sit back I’ll never forget it. They didn’t go back to work until back, I argued and I moaned wanted. It wasn’t just about and get walked over or watch 26 days later. It was the longest my arse off. It was the hardest the money, he just didn’t want others being stuffed around. month of my life. It was also my thing I’d ever gone through. to be bullied anymore. The lockout also taught me

LETTER TO THE EDITOR CARTOON "Extreme bias" against Israel In the recent Union Express simply by looking at any Feb-Apr 2009 I was shocked media. The Newspapers, blogs, at the EXTREMELY BIASED captions, political cartoons all article found in the international point to Israel as an enemy. news about the situation in I don't have the knowledge Gaza. The article talked about nor time to go into why this how people are closed lipped article has made me feel sick. I with being anti-Israel, about do know that the Jewish were how unlawful Israel's creation not the first to throw stones in was, how the Palestinians modern day Israel, that they have been pretty much doves were surrounded by wolves carrying olive wreaths towards from every corner and yet, by their neighbours which was the a miracle survived. They were opposite of the people of Israel, given a desert and turned it into who seemed like mass-schemers a paradise that thrives amongst wielding butchering knives. the greatest countries in the If anything, the anti-Zionist world while their neighbors are movement is as strong in people living through internal turmoil. as it has been in all of history, Thank you for taking the here's a simple list compiled time in reading my complaint, I to show the history of Jewish really hope in the future, articles hate: Simpletoremember.com/ will have more of a emphasis vitals/HistoryJewishPersecution. on balanced reporting, rather Lots of things to think about htm through history of time. than a single person rampaging In history and now it is easy on with their hate-speech. are not an essential industry make up for lower pay rises. to see how quickly people ■ Dmitri NDU EXECUTIVE people do not have to buy off Easter is here again and we point their fingers at the Jews, you and job security is not good. will see people pressured to give by Marianne Taylor A lot of retail businesses up their public holidays and National Executive employ less than 20 workers not be paid properly again. The The article entitled state. Large numbers of I worry about the economy and they come under the 90- union is strong in my workplace Unions sends supplies into Jews and Israeli citizens are and the people who are losing day legislation. I think the but we still have people being Gaza in the last express demonstrating inside Israel. their jobs. We are going into government is just waiting to misled about their rights on has received two responses In an incredibly brave contract negotiations and I see how it works then they will public holidays. So what’s it like that accuse my speech at a showing 10,000 Israelis am concerned it will end up widen it to cover everybody. in non-unionised workplaces? Wellington rally as being a demonstrated in Tel-Aviv on like the 1990’s where the When the government says it When I was young, people hate speech. Nothing could Saturday 3 January, despite employers were trying to take is not going to give pay increases used to look forward to public be further from the truth. a complete news blackout of wages and conditions off us. to its own workers it is sending holidays. The whole family Interestingly, in my speech what was going on in Gaza. I work at Countdown and the out a signal to private employers could go on holiday somewhere. I said that whenever one I then quoted the UK food industry is good because not to give them either. Now it is likely one family criticises Israel, one will Jewish MP Gerald Kaufmann people will always have to eat Low income people will end member will have to work and always get accused of being who said that "it’s time but I am the executive rep for up being hardest hit because we don’t get that good family racist or anti-Semitist. The for our Government to the whole retail industry. If you they didn’t even get tax cuts to time together in the same way. two responses to the Express make clear to the Israeli show that I was correct. Government that its So in my speech, I only conduct and policies conditions were at the very these delegates access to our used Jewish sources for my are unacceptable". bottom of the supermarket union education programme comments. I was heartened I do not expect the two Proud to industry. The training day was - and with it the skills and by the depth of Jewish writers to the Express to for delegates in Auckland's knowledge to do their union feeling in Israel and across agree with me. Over time 10 Pak n Saves and our first job with confidence. Much of the world in opposition to they may change their views be Union unionised Auckland New World that programme is funded by a Israel's invasion of Gaza and (a number of years ago I had supermarket. It made me proud government grant, and right now its other hawkish policies. the same views as they have NDU SECRETARY to say "I'm Union". Because there is a question mark over The last sentences of now). I accept this is a highly by Laila Harré being union has given those that funding. I went with NDU my speech said: More and emotional issue. But I do ask NDU Secretary delegates and the workers President Robert Reid to meet more people are aware them to debate the issue with they lead the chance to have Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson of what is happening and respect. As to the question This week a unique group of a say at work. Being union last month and we urged her not the anti-Semitic card is of whether any NDU money delegates came to a training day has improved their pay and to cut union education funding. losing its effect as more and has been used on this issue, at our union HQ in Auckland. conditions. Being union has Unions give workers a voice, more Jews are joining the the answer is no. Shalom Three years ago none of their broadened their understanding inform them of their rights and international condemnation ■ Robert Reid, 11 workplaces had either a of their industry, their employer represent them on the job, and of the actions of the Israeli NDU President delegate or a collective agreement and their rights at work. trained, confident delegates are and many of their wages and Being union has also given the key to our effectiveness. www.ndu.org.nz NOT AT WORK Union Express | April - June 2009 Page 15 “People think it’s just walking around a paddock flying your arms about.” but you have to work as one, she OUTSIDE WORK says. “Everyone comes from “But it’s not,” says Invercargill different backgrounds, incomes worker Ange Barker. “It’s a very and schooling – but in the disciplined and hard sport and it marching group you are there to has a lot of lessons for the union.” work together no matter where Ange has marched competively you’ve come from. since she was seven years old and And this, Ange says, is why has represented Invercargill at the marching is like the union. to achieve their goals, particularly “You see people in the Gym have to be like everyone else.” Australasian Marching champs. “At the end of day it might take with older women. who have got the muscles and “My goal has always been to “Marching isn’t just about a lot of hard steps to get to our Two years ago Ange got a those at the swimming pool work with other people to achieve good posture, timing, precision common goal but we’ll achieve it Diploma in Sports Recreation. with slim figures, but that’s not a higher goal, whether at work and discipline,” she says. “Most because we are working together But unlike the majority who for everyone,” she says. “Not with the union, with personal importantly it’s about working and because you’re not alone.” become personal trainers in gyms, everyone wants to train in front of training or with marching. You together as a team. Ange says that it is very Ange decided to train people in other people. There’s stigma that are always trying to set a goal and Each team has 10 marchers, empowering working with women their homes. you have to stand out and that you take the steps to achieve it.”

SMO | KO | DU: SUDOKU FOR SMOKO BREAKS GIFT VOUCHER CAPTION COMPETITION

1 2 6 4 2 4 4 5 6 8 7 6 3 4 7 8 2 3 6 7 9 8 6 1 9 7 8 7 8 5 2

Each row contain the number 1 to 9, each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9 and each set of 3x3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Send us your photo captions of Rodney Hide to one of the addresses (below left). The best caption will win two gift vouchers. Solution at: http://www.websudoku.com/?level=2&set_id=6973650833 WINNING CAPTION COMPETITION WRITING US LETTERS "Little that you Your letters are welcome. know Bill, you Please keep them brief and no more than 200 words are on a 90 day long. Include your name, trial." home address and daytime contact number. Letters are acknowledged and may be edited for length. E-mails are also welcome and must include the information above. "Hooray, I'm the

Address letters to: Letters Deputy Prime to the Editor, Private Bag 92 904, Onehunga Auckland or Minister!" email: [email protected]

Not the best writer but got something to say? Why not dictate your idea over the phone? Call 09 622 8433. or txt 021 922 551 for a call back. Congratulations to Alastair Revfeim, Bunnings Warehouse Taupo who will receive two gift vouchers for his winning caption. Page 16 Union Express | April - June 2009 THE BACK PAGE www.ndu.org.nz

Our people. Our union. Site Swipe Good mornin' Sarah.

nly in the United OStates of America: Good mornin' Bob. "Employee accused of faking being cop" Great weather, huh? A Taco Bell employee was arrested for impersonating a law enforcement officer and attempting to arrest Oh, totally. his managers and co- worker. He passed himself off as an undercover narcotics investigator, going as far as typing HAMILTON PAY EQUITY PROTEST fake criminal histories Hey! What was that?! on the general manager, two shift managers and an employee and telling them they were going to ALLBRITE LOWER HUTT be arrested.

"Workers killed after seeking pay rise" A car dealership owner killed two employees because they kept asking for more pay. The employer told police he was having financial Ah, I'm sure it was nothing. DUNEDIN FOODSTUFFS BBQ problems and was under a lot of stress.

"Four women fired for gossiping" AUCKLAND PAK 'n SAVE DELEGATES Four women employed in What the...?!! a small New Hampshire town were fired for gossiping about a relationship between the town administrator and a fellow co-worker. They were fired on the basis that "gossip, whispering and an unfriendly environment are causing poor morale and interfering with the efficient performance of Holy #@%^&!!! town business."

"Employee took 1 million screws home from factory" An assembly worker hid screws in a specially designed hiding place and took up to 7,000 home with him every day. Over a two-year period, he stole more than 1.1 million screws with an estimated value of $155,000. He allegedly sold the screws over the Internet at discount prices. Oh my.. Dude! Can you hear me? ■ Don't forget to send us in your funny, interesting of applicantsof are applicants areor weird workplace CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND DELEGATES FROM THE WAREHOUSE stories. And no, we don't 79% receiving79% refundsreceiving refundsmind if you steal them from the internet. I can't feel my legs... EMAIL PHOTOS TO: [email protected] Dear workers, Have a Happy easter ! (We hope it's your last ) Love Rodney and the Act www.ndu.org.nz Party,

Contractor_210x297mm.indd 1 Contractor_210x297mm.indd 1 10/14/08 12:30:19 PM 10/14/08 12:30:19 PM