The retail workers’ union is rolling out a recruitment drive for new members in Foodstuffs franchises across the South Island in an effort to lift pay and conditions to match those in the North Island.

According to First Union national organiser, Bill Bradford, Foodstuff’s South Island stores have traditionally been difficult to deal with.

“Franchise owners in South Island Pak’n Save and New World stores tend to frown on workers who join the union,” Bradford said.

“This has meant lower union density in the South Island and, as a result, poorer pay and conditions for South Island workers compared with their North Island counterparts.”

The South Island recruitment drive will begin at Nelson New World, Richmond Pak’n Save and Invercargill Pak’n Save.

“In recent years First Union has recruited a large number of members and negotiated numerous collective agreements in Foodstuffs stores across the North Island. This has dramatically lifted pay and conditions for those workers.”

Bradford said he wants to negotiate protocols with the owners of the above mentioned stores to minimise any disruption to the businesses.