Hundreds of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare workers are taking industrial action from today, with overtime a key issue in the dispute.
The group will be picketing outside the Auckland factory this week. The E tū union has given two-week notice of an overtime ban and warns strike action could follow if the company's offer isn't improved.
E tū union organiser Mohammed Faiaz told Breakfast that working on the weekend at an ordinary rate was a major sticking point.
"The members believe that their Saturday and Sunday is a special day," he said. "We did offer the employer that there should be a special rate for Sunday, whereas they sort of want a flat rate for Sunday. I think our members are not happy.
"They have [currently] got the opportunity to earn extra on Saturday and Sunday.
"If Saturday and Sunday becomes a normal working day, then basically I think they may lose some overtime."
He said union members were concerned about new staff and part-time staff coming in to take the shifts.
"The employer has been coming to us saying that they want to reduce the cost," he added. "If they did get part-timers on Saturday and Sunday, that means the people who are working Monday to Friday will not have that opportunity to come and earn that extra."
He said staff were "prepared" to strike.
"We have given the employer the opportunity, there's two options," Faiaz said. "Either we sort of drop all the claims and then just negotiate a pay rise – or, if the employer does insist... that's gonna be at a cost."
E tū has at least 1550 members at the East Tāmaki site.
A Fisher & Paykel Healthcare spokesperson said the company is "disappointed" an agreement hasn't been reached yet, adding: "We have had strong relationships with our unions over more than 20 years.
"We are committed to developing an agreement that is fair, sustainable and flexible for Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and our employees and we are hopeful we can come to a resolution quickly."
No disruption for customers is expected, the spokesperson added.
"We acknowledge the challenge all of our people are facing with cost-of-living increases, and we are committed to supporting our people and paying our people fairly."
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