'They’re not really listening': Workers face 'lock out' after taking strike action

Union members working at FMI Building Innovation located in Mt Wellington, Auckland went on their second strike on Friday, following negotiations for higher wages breaking down.

And according to union representatives they have been locked out of their jobs in the lead up to Christmas. Union organisers say all the workers are of Pacific descent.

E Tū Union representatives Toeleiu Sefo and Eugene Setu spoke with on Pacific Mornings, about their industrial action.

Sefo says a main issue is the slack progression of pay increases to match the cost of living.

“Most of our union members are on that $22.70 minimum wage. It’s just not good enough for living at the moment. We have workers who have been there for many many years. Some of us are staying (with) in-laws, some of us actually got two jobs.

“Just trying to get that food, and the mahi is hard.”

Setu says both parties are well within their rights to take their respective actions but the employers aren’t understanding the workers’ concerns.

“They don’t agree with some of the rationale (behind) our arguments around the cost of living, CPI (consumer price index) … they’re not really listening to their workers' struggles about the cost of petrol, food, and all these increasing costs. They’re not actually listening.”

Watch the full interview with Toeleiu Sefo and Eugene Setu below:

FMI Building Innovation company director Warren Lewis told NZ Herald the lockout was necessary due to shift reorganisation and the short notice given by the union.

NZ Herald also reports Lewis said a vast majority of employees were not striking and alleges the action is illegal.

Union reps disappointed with govt's FPA repeal plans

The striking union members are also calling for industry-wide fair pay agreements to ensure a better working conditions.

But with the coalition government’s plans to reverse fair pay legislation, Setu says it’s a huge regressive move especially for industries that have predominantly Pacific workers.

“It’s actually quite disappointing, a lot of work had been put into the Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) by the unions. We’re going backwards.

“Now, with that being reversed, mate, there’s not an opportunity to lift those rates of pay to a liveable standard.”

Setu encourages the union members and leaders to continue with the Pacific unity that has been shown over recent weeks, standing up for workers' rights.

“Continue to carry on through this journey and there will be a way through this. I believe it with all my heart and trust in our Heavenly Father. Stay strong, stay focused on the prize."

PMN has sought comment from FMI Building Innovation and have not received a response.