I spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday up in Auckland hanging out at the picket of the Mangere distribution centre by striking workers who have been locked out by Progressive Enterprises, who own Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown, Fresh Choice and Super Value supermarkets. Workers in Palmerston North and Christchurch have also been locked out.
![dsc02291.jpg](http://web.archive.org./web/20140703013453im_/http://anarchia.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/dsc02291.jpg?w=450)
The workers were nothing short of inspirational – this is the first strike action they have taken on this job, after anything up to 17 years of working there! The community support is massive – upwards of 90% of cars that drive past (and it’s a very busy road) are tooting and yelling messages of support.
![dsc02327.jpg](http://web.archive.org./web/20140703013453im_/http://anarchia.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/dsc02327.jpg?w=450)
Meanwhile, Progressive continue to spread lies – many of their stores have giant posters claiming the worker’s demands for fair pay and working conditions would be “bad for New Zealand”. They have paid for full page ads in daily newspapers, and they are paying scabs double the normal rate. Despite this, they are being hit hard – an analyst in the NZ Herald claimed the first 10 days of strike action could have cost Progressive up to 15% of their annual profit. Shelves in Progressive owned supermarkets are steadily being emptied and restocking is only happening on a small scale.
![dsc025390.jpg](http://web.archive.org./web/20140703013453im_/http://anarchia.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/dsc025390.jpg?w=450)
The striking workers need your support. You can make donations by ringing 0900 LOCK OUT ($20 automatic donation) or by deposit to BNZ 02-0200-0217968-00, account name National Distribution Union with the reference “Lock Out”. Alternatively, credit card donations can be made on the Shelf Respect campaign website.
Things are getting messier steadily – yesterday, three people were arrested in Lower Hutt trying to stop trucks getting into a makeshift distribution centre, while I have just recieved word that 8 (or possibly 10) people were just arrested at the Mangere distribution centre for trying to stop scab trucks from getting in. If you can, get to one of the distribution centre pickets, or join flying pickets of supermarkets.
For more information and up to date coverage, see the Shelf Respect campaign site, Aotearoa Indymedia or the Aucklands Burning blog (where the photos in this post are from).
![dsc02142.jpg](http://web.archive.org./web/20140703013453im_/http://anarchia.files.wordpress.com/2006/09/dsc02142.jpg?w=450)