Heritage Hotel Workers in Christchurch were offered an improved redundancy deal when told their fate today.

Last week the 80 workers involved were informed they would receive nothing more than 2 weeks’ notice and offered no guarantee of reemployment at the hotel in Christchurch or at the dozen other Heritage sites across the country.

Unite union members were outraged at the package and Christchurch Organiser Matt Jones demanded the company rethink the offer. He described the original offer as "well below par with the other earthquake affected hotels throughout the city” and criticized “the lack of care and the awful presentation which has led to frustration and anger among our members".

In today's final meeting workers were told they would receive the contractual two-weeks’ notice plus additional weeks of pay related to their length of service. For some this meant an extra 6 weeks pay. The staff were also given the option of leave without pay, but Mr Jones said that "without a guarantee of getting their original jobs back this option will be used by few if any of our members.”

Unite is still disappointed that the company still couldn't bring itself to guarantee reemployment if the Heritage reopens. "We see the improved redundancy offer as a small victory for our members, however there is little to celebrate as unemployment in the city continues to soar and the city edges ever closer to a social disaster.

“Our hearts go out to all of our members directly and indirectly affected by February's events, we will continue to do everything in our power to help," concluded Mr Jones.

NOTE
The final redundancy deal includes 2 weeks’ notice plus;
6 months > to < 1 year = 1 extra week
1> to <3 years = 2 extra weeks
3> to < 5 = 3 weeks
5> to <10 = 4 weeks
10 years + = 6 weeks


Earlier release: Heritage Hotel Comes Up Short For Workers