Lockout at Kawerau paper mill ends as union members accept pay offer

After almost six weeks, the lockout will come to an end on September 19.
After almost six weeks, the lockout will come to an end on September 19. Photo credit: Via RNZ

By RNZ

The almost six-week lockout at Essity's Kawerau mill will come to an end on Monday 19 September.

Members of the Pulp and Paper Workers Union voted this morning to accept a revised offer from the company.

The offer from Essity matched a recommendation from the Employment Relations Authority for a 5 percent increase this year for workers plus a $4000 lump sum.

This will be followed by a 4.5 percent rise and $3000 next year before another 4 percent rise in 2024.

Union secretary Tane Phillips said the offer was "way better".

"Keeps up with inflation, keeps up with CPI [consumers price index] so we're very happy with that.

"It was very unfortunate that we had to fight so hard to get what was a fair and reasonable deal."

Since 9 August, 145 workers at the mill have been locked out without pay with some describing their financial situation as desperate.