Unite Union has filed a claim with the Employment Relations Authority regarding harassment of union members by senior management and supervisors at Auckland Airport.

Since union members have engaged in industrial action to get changes to the company’s medieval contract with foodcourt employees the company management has embarked on a campaign of bullying and intimidation of union members.

This is not new to Unite's members but it has escalated recently. The actions Unite is complaining of include -

• Union members being told they would be denied roster changes because they have taken strike action
• Members being declined preferred shifts because they have taken strike action
• Members accused of acting against non-union members
• Members being “actively encouraged” to resign from the union by supervisors and management
• Staff being told preference would be given to non-union members

The company has a long history of anti-union behaviour and this is a key reason for the “worst employment agreement in New Zealand” continuing in force.

The harassment has become so great that there are several staff who have joined the union but are “secret members” because they don’t want the negative company behaviour which goes with union membership.

We have asked for an urgent ERA hearing to discuss this matter.