A Bloody good cause

Im always keen to support a good cause, and having worked for rubbish pay and conditions at a supermarket Im with the EPMU and NDU in their current campaign.

As you may be aware, Supermarket workers at Progressive sites nationwide have been locked out of work for the past 20 or so days. At first this began as a 2 day strike, but then Progressive wouldnt let them back.

Progressive are owned by Woolworths Australia, and operate the Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown brands in New Zealand. In the last 12 months they have recorded a $1.2 Billion profit increase - but are refusing to agree to a nationwide collective contract for supermarket workers (which means all staff get the same conditions - leave etc) and are refusing to increase their pay by the 8% demanded (which is reasonable).

If you have ever worked in a supermarket - you can appreciate how shafted these workers feel. The new Australian owners are treating their workers with contempt, and are attempting to enforce Australian conditions.

These workers shouldn't be forced to give up on their legitimate claim for a single national agreement covering the same work in different parts of the country along with a decent pay rise. Progressive are basically attempting to starve them into accepting their pathetic pay offer.

To show your support go to Shelf Respect or go to this site to donate to their cause - they have been without pay for 20 odd days now - and most of these workers have young families.

Otherwise show your support by boycotting Woolworths, Foodtown and Countdown (their stock isnt getting delivered anyway - so the shelves are empty!)