8 May 2013

Smelter company facing back pay ruling

2:52 pm on 8 May 2013

The Tiwai Point smelter is facing a pay claim dating back six years after a ruling by the Employment Relations Authority.

The Engineering, Printing & Manufacturing Union took action against New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd, which claimed its members were given eight hours time in lieu for working public holiday shifts, despite shift lengths increasing to 12 hours, 20 years ago.

The EPMU said its members will be able to claim for lost hours for the past six years.

NZ Aluminium Smelters acting general manager Stewart Hamilton said the decision could cost several million dollars.

The company has 26 days to decide whether to appeal against the ERA's decision.

EPMU district organiser Trevor Hobbs said he thinks the smelter's owners will lodge an appeal because they stand to lose so much money.