Packaging firm ‘disappointed’ by strike

A packaging firm embroiled in an industrial dispute with 240 workers says it’s disappointed staff will strike so early in negotiations. Workers at Orora Kiwi Packaging in Auckland, Hastings and Christchurch have voted to take a two-week overtime ban after collective bargaining with their employer broke down. The action could threaten the supply of boxes for the kiwifruit, wine and meat industries. The EPMU said members had been bargaining for a fair wage increase above the “paltry” 1.8 per cent on offer from the Australian-owned employer.