Hundreds of fast-food workers at KFC, Carl's Jr and Pizza Hut to strike this weekend
Workers employed by Restaurant Brands and members of Unite Union voted to take strike action with 88 per cent of the 763 who took part set to down their cooking utensils. The strike starts at 2pm today and will last until 2am on Monday morning, which includes employees from Carl's Jr and Pizza Hut. Unite National Secretary and Lead Negotiator Gerard Hehir says wages and starting rates is the reason for strike action. Negotiations had stretched for six days but no resolution had been reached, he said. One of the issues of contention was how much more skilled staff received above the starting rate for junior employees.
Hehir said the matter came to a head by the minimum wage went up to $17.70 in April. While starting rates were raised, the same didn't take place for more senior employees, he said. "Low-wage employers need to realise that they can't get away with just increasing their lowest rate only and undervaluing their experienced and skilled staff," he said. The NZX-listed firm was partially taken over earlier this year in an $881m deal from Mexican fast-food investor Finaccess Capital. Restaurant Brands' recent move to bring the Taco Bell brand to New Zealand and Australia is just one of several developments that attracted Finaccess. Another is the steady growth Restaurant Brands has shown over the past decade with its portfolio of well-known food brands - KFC, Pizza Hut and Carl's Junior. Restaurant Brands' shares are trading for $9.15 each.
===========================================================
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
85.4% Yes
-
13.5% No
-
1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Need Event Medical Cover?
MRI provides modern medical solutions for a wide range of events and industries. From local sporting or community events - to large concerts and major festivals - we can provide tailored and professional medical cover that suits your needs.
Our experienced team of clinicians and operations managers can provide a complete risk assessment of your event and advise you on the most suitable medical expertise to have on site.
Get in touch with the team today at info@mri.nz