Bunnings workers strike over contract changes

between 2pm and 4pm.

They attracted plenty of toots from passing motorists as they chanted ‘‘I believe that we will win’’ and waved placards that said: ‘‘Stand Up Fight Back’’ and ‘‘Toot for Support’’.

The workers joined employees at Bunnings Botany and Mt Wellington in protest against the proposals.

FIRST Union organiser Dion Martin said the changes meant workers would have insecure contracts. He said employees were being offered what looked like a good pay rise as an inducement to give up future rights to pay rises and certainty of hours.

Palmerston North MP Iain Lees-Galloway said the employees wanted security of hours and mutual agreement on when they work. ‘‘I think those are very reasonable requests. Insecure hours means insecure income. It also makes it very difficult to plan family time and childcare,’’ he said.

Martin said the proposed collective agreement would give bosses the power to chop and change start and finish times and days of work without the worker’s agreement.

A Bunnings spokesperson said its contract proposals were industry leading and covered wage rates and rosters.

The company said its offer would guarantee team employees a minimum wage increase of 4 per cent this year with a further guaranteed minimum of 2 per cent next year.