Strike Action Forces Closure

Monday, 20 August 2001, 5:27 pm
Press Release: Carter Holt Harvey

Carter Holt Harvey had decided to issue lockout notices to union members at its Rangiora MDF plant on Friday night after they again walked off the site without notice, Tom Newton, Facility Manager, confirmed today.

"We are disappointed this action has been necessary. But ongoing industrial disruption has made it impossible for us to continue to run the plant at normal levels," he said.

Union members had closed the plant down and walked off at midnight.

This followed continuing disruptions to normal work over the last fortnight, Mr Newton said. "Like any business, we need to plan, and we cannot do that
when faced with this sort of industrial action."

"We have made very extensive efforts in negotiations with the unions over the collective agreement, and put forward what we believe is a fair offer."

"We remain happy to discuss any issue, and welcome a return to negotiation and to normal work as soon as possible."

Mr Newton said the plant would continue to run on a limited basis.

"We will be keeping our customers informed of progress and doing everything we can to minimise disruption to them," Mr Newton said.

ENDS

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