Workers at Bunnings New Lynn, Botany, Mt Wellington and Manukau walked off the job on Saturday, resulting in further disruption for Auckland DIYers after a national strike at the end of September.
Police closed down a protest by workers who took control of the Bunnings New Lynn workplace from about 1000 to 1130 due to their anger at roster changes.
Police said they were called to the store in west Auckland at about 1030.
According to the police, about 50 people, including about six Bunnings staff, protested outside the store and 12 forced their way in, damaging the doors on the way.
“They chained themselves together, blocking access to the store, and were required to leave under trespass law,” said a spokesperson for the police.
According to FIRST Union Retail and Finance Secretary, Maxine Gay, the “really funny thing was they did want to move the people who were chained up but none of the bolt cutters were strong enough to cut the chains”.
“We thought it would be over in about 10 minutes but their bolt cutters weren’t strong enough,” she said.
The shop had to close and anyone who was already inside the shop was let out.
Police are following up, saying they are looking for the person who damaged the doors.
“Bunnings workers are striking to save their family time,” pointed out Gay.
“Bunnings wants the power to demand that workers are available for work, but without guaranteeing stable rosters.
“Under Bunning’s proposals a worker’s start and finish times could change, even work days could change without agreement between the manager and the worker.
“This is going to compromise family time for Bunnings workers. How are you meant to plan when your roster keeps changing?
“Bunnings workers need certainty so they can plan things like their family time and sporting commitments.”
According to Bunnings, it opens seven days a week and team flexibility is key.
It said all its contracts offer regular fixed hours, with rosters set at least four weeks in advance, and that staff can raise significant commitments and family responsibilities to be taken into account when rosters are set.
Nerine Zoio: nerine@insideretail.co.nz
