Vet Strike Upsets Dairy Farmers

Thursday, 15 February 2001, 2:28 pm
Press Release: Federated Farmers

"Dairy farmers throughout New Zealand are feeling absolutely betrayed by the NUPE veterinarians members of the MAF Verification impending strike action," said Charlie Pedersen, Chairman of Dairy Farmers of NZ, summing up the feeling of DFNZ Council meeting at Flock House.

"The situation is serious after recent droughts in many areas and now the threat of facial eczema. Dairy farmers need to URGENTLY move healthy cows to the freezing works, at this time of year. If they can't do this, serious feed shortages and severe risks to animal health will result.

"These vets need to realise that their callous actions will significantly compromise the welfare of thousands of dairy cows."

This is most ironic as dairy farmers look on vets as partners in the care and welfare of their cows.

"In this case the NUPE vets employed by MAF, seem to be putting personal gain ahead of animal welfare," said Mr Pedersen.

"Don't do it!"

Get back to the negotiating table is the message dairy farmers have for the NUPE and their employers, MAF VA. " concluded Mr Pedersen.

ENDS

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