Kawerau paper mill worker on Essity pay offer

Kawerau paper mill staff who've been locked out of work with no pay for five weeks will this morning meet to decide whether to accept their employers latest offer. The company, Essity, yesterday announced that it had accepted the recommendations of the Employment Relations authority to increase workers' pay. The ERA has recommended a 5 per cent pay bump this year along with a $4000 lump sum; in 2023 a 4.5 per cent increase and another $4000 lump sum; followed in 2024 by a further 4 per cent rise plus $3000. Essity has also withdrawn a half-a-million-dollar legal threat against the striking workers. If the Pulp and Paper Union accepts the offer, the company plans to resume production at the mill tomorrow (Thurs). With us is mill worker Bill George who's worked at the mill for more than 20 years and has been without pay since August the 9th.