Staff and management at an Oamaru wool spinning company have negotiated a nine-day fortnight in a bid to adapt to changing economic conditions.
Up to 57 staff at Oamaru-based Summit Wool Spinners will keep their jobs if the application for the government-funded employer wage top-up is successful.
The staff, with negotiators from the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) and the National Distribution Union, worked for the Japanese-owned company - New Zealand's largest independent wool spinner, producing yarn for carpet makers in New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.
EPMU spokesman John Gardner was happy with the result.
"Any nine day fortnight arrangement must come with an employer wage top-up because workers simply can't afford to take another hit in the pocket," he said.
"We're particularly pleased that Summit's management has backed a cooperative solution to the troubles the company is facing.
Summit Wool Spinners director Ricky Hammond-Tooke said everyone would win should the government come to the party.
"It's been a trying time for all concerned and I would like to thank the unions and everyone else involved in the negotiations for their positive attitude and patience."
