Apparel retailer, Cotton On Group, has responded to public outrage over potential cuts to tea breaks for its employees at its Auckland distribution centre (DC).

A foray has broken out on Cotton On’s social media pages and across metro media following allegations by First Union NZ that the Australian company is considering the removal of  compulsory tea and meal breaks for Auckland DC staff.

The claims follow the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill in October.

In a statement, Cotton On said no changes have been made to workers’ rights in any DCs.

“Negotiations are currently in place between the Cotton On Group and First Union, with no agreement having yet been made,” the retailer said.

“The Cotton On Group is committed to having highly engaged staff and we have an effective two way communication process in place, by way of implementation of our consultative committees which exist in each of our DCs globally, allowing each and every one of our people to have a voice.

“To ensure we can maintain the integrity of the negotiation process we are committed to continue our conversations with First Union until an agreement is made. Our people and their working conditions have and always will be our top priority.

“The Cotton On Group will, and has always intended to, maintain paid tea breaks for all New Zealand Distribution Centre employees as part of our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our team members.”

Cotton On owns and operates the Cotton On, Cotton On Body, Rubi, Factorie, Typo, and Cotton On kids chains.