the progressive workers' strike

**Pixie** · 12th September 2006, 23:46

Originally Posted by terbang

Finn your a capitalist and others are more socialist, get over it or catch the next plane out... Whilst your investment may be of some use to this country, your attitude towards other people isn't. I wonder if you would see other people differently if you were to be able to make 5 and 1/2 feet.
The progressive lockout is really about an AUSTRALIAN company that has been taking full advantage of a cheap labour market here in NZ, no doubt to the advantage of of AUSTRALIAN shareholders. They are obviously trying to make it cheaper (where do I buy some shares in them) by not negotiating with their NZ employees and locking them out. Once again an Aussie company thumps Kiwi's and they will win in some way or another. Kiwi labour gets poorer and as time goes by poor people can eventually become more desperate and whether it be jealusy or survival it makes little difference as our crime rates climb. The likes of Finn then gets a bullet betwwen his eyes, rather than just a verbal attack, for shooting his mouth off about motorway ownership. He has to build a bigger fence and up his security and his costs go up. Take look at where way our crime stats are heading in sympathy to our economic profile.

But Clark will save us with "the knowledge economy"

And to start with NZ schools have been instructed to be economical with knowledge.

**scumdog** · 13th September 2006, 00:59

My 2 cent worth:A Harley dealership has opened in Russia for the first time in 70+ years. (and HOG has started there too)

What the hell has that got to do with this thread you think.

Well, it is an indication that this world (well the developing part) is slowly but surely drifting into a stage where we ALL end up with an equal level of income/living standard.

You buy $5 jeans from the Big Red Barn? What do you think happened to the factory and workers that use to make/sell them in NZ for $10??

Just an example.

**Lou Girardin** · 13th September 2006, 06:59

Originally Posted by terbang

I think Peter Jackson also started from a fairly humble background as well.

Jeez Steve have you had a hair cut or something..? You look a bit different on your latest Avatar...

Lives in NZ?

**Finn** · 13th September 2006, 07:31

Originally Posted by scumdog

You buy $5 jeans from the Big Red Barn? What do you think happened to the factory and workers that use to make/sell them in NZ for $10??

They become MP's and spend their time seeking revenge on anyboby who appears to be trying to make a buck.

**terbang** · 13th September 2006, 09:34

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

Lives in NZ?

Yeah he does, though he has digs elsewhere.

**SPman** · 13th September 2006, 14:51

Originally Posted by [B

Goblin[/b]
If that's the case then why are there so many university educated people working in gas stations & at supermarkets? Or worse, fucking off overseas! Why is it that some folk who never even got school C are in high paid managment jobs? It's not what you know, it's whose arse you lick!

Some people have a natural ability to find and seize opportunities and make money. It's irrespective of how much formal education they may have or their IQ levels.They're just good at it. Its got nothing to do, often, with arse licking and everything to do with their own personal hard wiring.

A lot of university educated people after coming out with a degree, spending shitloads of money and the time involved, despite all their knowledge, find it hard to even tie their own shoelaces, let alone find a job. or make money. Its not what you know - its how you can really use what you know and most people can't.

But, then again , who gives a toss..........

**Drunken Monkey** · 13th September 2006, 15:11

Originally Posted by SPman

...A lot of university educated people after coming out with a degree, spending shitloads of money and the time involved, despite all their knowledge, find it hard to even tie their own shoelaces, let alone find a job. or make money. Its not what you know - its how you can really use what you know and most people can't...

I think that's a 'recent' phenomenon, part of the "Education = Meal Ticket" mentality, the breaking down of academic institutes as elitest, etc. I think too many people go into Universities with the attitude of geek out and learn the lectures then ace the exams and call it a day. There was as much to learn about life from varsity in participating in pub crawls, capping stunts, getting stoned in the lower common room, throwing up at a toga party and skyving off in general - stuff that just doesn't happen as regularly as it used to. People may laugh at those examples, but if you hang with the right people, you can make aquaintances for life which also become useful business allies in future - possible new boss for when you want to ditch a job, someone to start up a new business with you, heck, someone to work for you who you know and trust when you need more staff.

**Goblin** · 13th September 2006, 17:03

Originally Posted by SPman

But, then again , who gives a toss..........

Not I....I'd be happy going bush!

**SPman** · 13th September 2006, 18:07

Originally Posted by Goblin

Not I....I'd be happy going bush!

I have!.....

**chanceyy** · 13th September 2006, 19:27

Originally Posted by terbang

The progressive lockout is really about an AUSTRALIAN company that has been taking full advantage of a cheap labour market here in NZ, no doubt to the advantage of of AUSTRALIAN shareholders.

this is correct more info from the front line ..

the three distribution centres ended up being on seperate collectives several yrs ago when they were moved .. last negotiations it was agreed to that all three distribution centres would be on the same collective .. in the mean time it has been sold to Progressive who are totally Australian owed (who pay their own distribution staff $22 per hour) wanting to keep cost here low so the company and ultimately Aussie Shareholders make more money

Palmerston North have the best collective (still in effect from 3 or so yrs ago) & these guys are not locked out to get more money ... all they want is to make sure their collegues from both Auckland & Christchurch are covered by the same collective & are paid the same .. they are currently paid between .80cents & $2.50 per hour less than their Palmerston North counterparts. These Guys have the most to lose in this ..

The differences in allowances resulted from progressive closing the Auckland & Chch Woolworths distribution centres in 2003 & then rehiring of the redundant workers on worse conditions. Those closures ended the Woolworths National Agreement. The only reason PN retained that contract was because the company could not find another location for a new distribution centre & therefore could not legally rehire workers on lower rates

This is not a strike .. as soon as they left the meeting after deciding to strike they were issued with suspensions .... so effectively it was immediately a lock out by progressive .. progressive are trying to stave their workers back to work on their terms, & they are trying to bust up the union movement but have not counted on the community spirit & support. Yes some guys have been forced back to work & accepted the companies terms .. which now they have no support or security on the job ... sad sad sad

Just remember Woolworths Australia is the largest retailer in Australasia & recently announced a 24.3% increase in profits of $1.2 billion (A$1.1 billion) & expects sales to increase by 8-12% next yr ...

With regards to Progressive stating that the workers/union are claiming a 30% increase is bollocks ... basically the workers are just wanting to have one agreement covering all three sites .. & to bring the auckland & chch workers to the same level as the palmy workers .. & cost of living is a damn sight higher in both other centres ..

after reading all posts in here .. some of you need to have a reality check .. go and find out what its about ...

I thank my lucky stars cause I could have been in this position .. as we have 3 sites across NZ & got all on a collective .. whew

& yes I am a union delegate .. & damn proud of it ... I have worked hard to form a great working relationship with management & our HR department .. its called mutal respect & working to a same goal, & being rewarded for working hard & being treated with dignity

**Lou Girardin** · 13th September 2006, 19:54

Originally Posted by chanceyy

& yes I am a union delegate .. & damn proud of it ... I have worked hard to form a great working relationship with management & our HR department .. its called mutal respect & working to a same goal, & being rewarded for working hard & being treated with dignity

God forbid that this catches on. Dignity and respect for wage slaves, whatever next?
Well said.

**chanceyy** · 13th September 2006, 20:08

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

God forbid that this catches on. Dignity and respect for wage slaves, whatever next?
Well said.

Thanks Lou

but really whats behind it .. How many large Aussie corporations are in NZ .. trying to keep their costs down and pay poorly ..& where are their profits spent .. not here

hmmm this brings to mind same situation in china .. called sweatshops .. is it not ??

do we really want this for NZ .. I for sure don't .....