Unite Union: Workers worried about earthquake pay

Unite Union Media Release
6 September 2010

Unite Union's Christchurch office has been flooded with phone calls and text messages from worried workers in post-earthquake Christchurch.

"Many workers at Christchurch's restaurants, cinemas, hotels and security firms are worried that they will not be paid for the working days lost because of the earthquake. We are very worried that some employers will seek to withhold payment for work that employees were rostered to do over the weekend," said Unite's Christchurch organiser Matt Jones.

"Union members with young children have also been calling us concerned that their employer will force them to work before schools and childcare centres reopen after Wednesday." said Mr. Jones.

Staff at a local fast food outlet unanimously voted to return home once they were reminded of their rights at work on Saturday. Whilst the discussion took place the store was rocked by one of the numerous aftershocks the city has felt over the weekend. The Canterbury Medical Health Officer has advised locals to stay away from their workplaces unless they are deemed fit by structural engineers. Both the Health and Safety Act and the Civil Defence Act support this statement

"John Key will bail out property owners and big business using state cash but who will help out the thousands of low paid Christchurch workers who have lost jobs and incomes because of the quake? Key should provide instant cash relief to Christchurch's struggling working population."

"Precarious and casual workers face unemployment, bankruptcy and hard times in Christchurch. If New Zealand's large corporations and employers cut adrift the workers of Christchurch then the city will face a social disaster on top of this natural disaster," concluded Mr. Jones.

Unite is prepared to name and shame businesses that abandon or rip-off their workers in the aftermath of the earthquake. Workers' can call 0800 2 UNITE (0800 286 483) to share their story and seek workplace advice.

Matt Jones | Christchurch & Nelson organiser

Unite Union
6A Western Springs Road
Kingsland
Auckland 1021
New Zealand
Phone: 029 201 3837
Freephone: 0800 2 UNITE

Website: www.unite.org.nz
Email: matthew@unite.org.nz