About 30 Tauranga-based Farmers workers went on strike for two hours last week to protest wages and performance pay.

The strike action was part of nationwide action that took place on October 24 outside stores in Tauranga, Auckland, Hamilton, Hastings, Lower Hutt, Wellington, Richmond, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

It came two days after more than 100 Grace Hospital staff went on a four-hour strike for better pay.

The striking Farmers employees were members of the Workers First union.

Regional organising director Kirstin Miller said about 30 workers from Tauranga were among the 200-plus workers who took part nationally.

Union members had been in collective bargaining with the company since July.

Miller said more than 94% of its 1200 members voted to reject the company’s proposed pay increase, averaging about 2.5% for most staff.

“That’s less than the rising cost of living. We’re yet to receive a fair and reasonable pay offer, or progress any improvements to Farmers’ cruel performance pay system.

“Farmers pride themselves on being a Kiwi institution. But if they really want to be taken seriously, they need to treat their workers fairly.”

Miller said Farmers was one of the only remaining major retail brands with a performance-pay system linked to members’ remuneration.

“Under this system, Farmers was still offering a pay increase well below the rising cost of living to even their most outstanding performers under their performance metrics.”

She said members often reported the company’s performance-rating processes were “unfair, subjective and upsetting”.

Miller said the union also had concerns about the company’s attempts to limit backpay for workers.

She said the last mediation session between Workers First and Farmers was on October 22.

“Union members are seeking a pay increase that keeps up with the cost of living and the company’s current offer is nowhere near that.”

Miller said the union had not received a response from the company to its strike action, nor any indication whether it was willing to return to the bargaining table.

“Further strike actions are possible.”

The Bay of Plenty Times approached Farmers for comment yesterday and today.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation delegate at Grace Hospital and Perioperative Nurses College chair Lucy Middleton striking at Barkes Corner. Photo / Holly O'Donnell

Meanwhile, Grace Hospital New Zealand Nurses Organisation delegate Lucy Middleton said collective bargaining negotiations were continuing in “good faith”.

More than 100 staff went on strike for four hours on October 22.

The union returned to the bargaining table the next day seeking a better offer than a 2.5% pay rise.

Middleton said a further bargaining meeting was set for October 30.

Grace Hospital was approached for comment.

It said in a statement last week that it remained committed to “constructive discussions” aimed at reaching an agreement that recognised workers’ contribution while supporting the ongoing sustainability of the hospital.