Lab Workers Continue To Protest Fair Pay

They came with signs and picketed at The Crescent in Invercargill for better pay – some Awanui lab workers are only getting minimum wage.

In Wellington they are also protesting outside Awanui’s big Co-Lab sector forum, and are looking for all the support they can get.

Union representative Karen Elizabeth said she was impressed with today’s turnout – except for the fact they lost a few signs in the process from the wind.

Awanui Labs around the country rejected a 5% pay offer several months ago and this was the fourth round of strikes since the Apex union began negotiations began with the private company.

The union want 23.5 percent for scientists, technicians and phlebotomists to bring them into line with what their colleagues are earning at Te Whatu Ora.

Conditions in the lab have been crazy in recent months.  People have been quitting and Southland Hospital is short staffed, with only 5.5 fulltime scientists instead of 8 – forcing everyone to work horrendous hours, she said.