If MAF Vets serious they should return to work
19 February 2001 PR 24/2001
If MAF Vets serious they should return to work and negotiate
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) is to call on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Verification Agency to stop negotiating with the meat inspection veterinarians while the vets are on strike.
Chief Executive, Tony St. Clair, said that if the vet members of NUPE wanted to negotiate, then they should return to work.
"I know of no other industry that would try to negotiate with striking workers," Tony St. Clair said. "Why MAF VA are doing it, is totally beyond me."
"For a taxpayer funded organisation to break the normal rules of negotiation, is reprehensible."
Tony St. Clair said that a one-week strike will cost the vets two percent of their wages on an annualised basis.
"I believe that if the vets are serious about their award, they should return to work and discuss it".
ENDS
For Further
information:- Tony St. Clair Ph: 04 473-7269