AMEA national organiser Steve Westoby said talks with the company had been going on since June last year.
The dispute centres on the level of inflation adjustment applying to wages for the year to August 2027.
“We’re not asking for anything extortionate. We’re just asking for a CPI [Consumers Price Index] adjustment for two years, basically,” Westoby said.
“We’ve got an agreement on the first year, but for the second year they are not coming to the party, so we’ve issued notice for a strike.”
The action is a partial strike involving an overtime ban and a callout ban.
Genesis said in a supplied statement that it had committed to reaching a fair agreement with AMEA members at the station.
“While we are disappointed to receive notice of industrial action, discussions have made progress in a number of areas, and we remain available to continue negotiations,” the company said.
“Our priority is maintaining the safe and reliable operation of Huntly Power Station and supporting security of electricity supply for New Zealand.
“We have contingency planning in place, and we do not expect security of supply or wholesale prices to be impacted.”
Genesis has put forward a competitive offer that includes:
A two-year term.A 3% base salary increase in year one.A CPI-linked increase in year two with minimum and maximum protections.A ratification payment.
“The company’s position reflects the need to balance fair outcomes for employees with the long-term sustainability and operational flexibility required to run a critical 24-hour generation asset,” it said.
Jamie Gray is an Auckland-based journalist, covering the financial markets, the primary sector and energy. He joined the Herald in 2011.
Stay ahead with the latest market moves, corporate updates, and economic insights by subscribing to our Business newsletter – your essential weekly round-up of all the business news you need.