Workers at the Hornby Club in Christchurch will walk off the job on Saturday evening in protest over proposed “wage rate cuts” and what they describe as unfair treatment.
Union member Lucas MacManus said staff had been left with no other option.
“After months of drawn-out negotiations, we’ve been left with no choice but to take action,” MacManus said.
“The lack of meaningful progress reflects a deep failure of management.
“We’re disappointed that our concerns continue to be sidelined. This strike is a direct response to a system that refuses to listen.”
Another worker, Sonja Peereboom, said low pay, broken promises, and alleged toxic management practices had made working at the club increasingly difficult.
“I was told I’d get 30 hours a week but only got 25 – and that’s just not enough to live on.
“I’ve had to choose between paying rent, power, or buying groceries. Some staff get free meals, some don’t.
“Some get punished for speaking up. Good people leave all the time, but the problems stay,” she said.
The dispute follows a breakdown in bargaining over the club’s proposal to cut some of the printed rates in its pay structure.
E tū said the changes would remove pathways for progression and erode the pay standard members had fought to maintain.
E tū organiser Alex Hewison said the offer was out of step with fairness and financial reality.
“This employer has paid the Living Wage for years and says it expects to perform well in the year ahead. There’s no good reason to backslide now. These changes would lock in lower rates for newer workers and weaken pay progression for existing staff. It’s a step backwards, and our members won’t accept it,” Hewison said.
Hornby Club General Manager Tim Mathews said: “Hornby Club is willing and open to sitting down at the negotiating table, and continues to be so.
“Hornby Club’s position has moved multiple times since negotiations started, the Union has not moved.
“Union members are entitled to strike action as part of their negotiation process. Hornby Club’s position has been open and willing to negotiation for the duration of the last 12 plus month negotiating period.
“In relation to staff comments on management, I do not have comment and am at arms length from the individuals named.
The Club is open to business at usual during the two hour strike.
Union staff at the Club make up 15 of over 70 employees.”
The strike is scheduled to take place at the Hornby Club on Saturday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
