Union staff at Vehicle Testing New Zealand centres have gone on strike today over claims of low wages.
The strike is for 24 hours and started at 12.01 this morning. It involves members of the E tū union.
VTNZ in a statement says only 40 staff out of eight sites – out of 1100 people and 80 sites nationwide – and it won’t significantly impact services.
The union claims mediation between the parties has failed. Both VTNZ and the Motor Trade Association have been contacted for comment.
E tū advocate, Sunny Sehgal says E tū’s VTNZ driver testing members are qualified professionals who do a dangerous job, but that’s not reflected in their wages.
“The pay is between $21.00 and $22.50 an hour, which may look good to some people, but it’s a skilful job. And it’s hazardous. They are in a car with people who may not be competent to drive,” he says.
VTNZ general manager of eople and culture Melissa Jordan says the company is committed to negotiating in good faith for a fair and reasonable settlement with this group and is disappointed they’ve chosen to strike.
“We’ve proposed a settlement for Driver Testing Officers of 3% for the next year, and are considering a recruitment and retention component for all areas where it is hard to employ good people.
“The staff involved make up less than 4% of the employees who could choose to be represented by the Union. Some union members have chosen not to strike. Other staff have stepped up to minimise the impact. We have been in touch with customers who may be affected,” Jordan says.
E tū member, Harun Ali says he’s a trained and qualified professional who has to manage multiple risks on the job “but the pay doesn’t recognise that.
“I have a passion for this job. It’s something I love to do, but it’s risky,” says Harun, who has 14 years of experience as a driver testing official.
“Drivers are often poorly prepared. There are a lot of accidents and a lot of us are being hurt. We face people who come out of jail, who are very threatening.
“We’ve been chased around the cars, bullied and threatened. A lot of times we end up calling the cops.”
