This is how the Communist Party of Australia views the recentProgressive Enterprises “lockout“. Further evidence that Progressive were facing communist controlled unions on both sides of the Tasman.
The Guardian 27 September, 2006
NZ workers victorious
The 600 New Zealand distribution workers locked out the gates for the last month returned to work after the company agreed to negotiate a collective agreement with the union yesterday, according to a MUA news release.
National Distribution Union (NDU) and NZ Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch have ratified terms of settlement with Progressive Enterprises — a subsidiary of Woolworths — conceding in the three-year settlement the workers’ key aim of equal pay across Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch Distribution Centres. A single national pay rate will deliver a 19.7% to the lowest paid distribution centre in Christchurch within two years.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin welcomed the outcome, saying it demonstrated the strong links and solidarity between Australian and New Zealand workers.
The MUA sent a delegation of three Melbourne members led by Victoria Assistant Branch Secretary Dave Cushion. The delegation was a joint Australian ITF affiliate solidarity mission which included representatives of the Rail Tram and Bus Union and the Transport Workers’ Union.
The NDU is also an affiliate of the ITF and had the full backing of the Maritime Union of New Zealand.
Australian unions also raised $15,000 towards supporting their locked-out Kiwi comrades.
“We got a great reception when we arrived,” said Dave. “It gave them a big lift to have Australian workers and Australian unions on the picket with them.”
