Metal workers strike over redundancy cuts

Workers at a Taranaki aluminium manufacturer walked off the job today over proposed redundancy cuts for new workers. Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said 165 workers were on strike this morning following almost two months of negotiations with MCK Metals in New Plymouth. Union members were unhappy that new workers would have their redundancy cut by 34 weeks, he said. "If they allow the company to undercut new workers they will be next." Mr Little said the company had blamed the cuts on tough economic times, despite recently securing a large Australian contract. Savings on redundancy cuts would be unlikely for years and the recession was being used as an excuse to drive down working conditions, he said. MCK Metals was unavailable for comment.