Big pay rises agreed

Supermarket distribution centre workers have reached a deal that will include pay rises of more than 25 per cent. First Union and Foodstuffs North Island has signed a collective agreement covering the company’s distribution centres. Workers will get a pay boost of between 9 per cent and 25.2 per cent. First Union divisional secretary Jared Abbott said the agreement was the start of a new relationship between the company and the union. ‘‘What’s most impressive is that this deal came about from the company listening to their workforce, not from strike action.’’