Christchurch Solidarity for Locked Out Workers

Christchurch Solidarity for Locked Out Workers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

At midday on Thursday 3rd November people in the newly opened Cashel Mall and Riccarton Rd area's of Christchurch were informed about the plight of the Canterbury Meat Packers. The workers, based in Rangitikei (near Palmerston North) have been locked out of the workplace for nearly two weeks by their employers. CMP, owned by multi national ANZCO, is demanding the staff to accept up to a 30% pay cut. The lock out will continue unless the workers agree to the deal. Members of Unite Union and people from the Occupy Christchurch movement gathered across the city to distribute flyers and collect donations for the 111 effected workers and their families.

"Big business is holding the community of Rangitikei to ransom while what few workers rights we have left in New Zealand stops us short of being able to take industrial action in solidarity. That's one of the reasons I chose to get involved with the Occupy movement." Stated a spokeswoman from the Occupy Camp based in South Hagley Park. "How can we stand by and watch as the CEO's continue to raise their own salaries and force the average person on the street into further debt and poverty". She continued.

Local Unite Union Organiser Matt Jones went further stating, "Today's actions are just the beginning, we have plans for a solidarity picket outside one of ANZCO's head offices at 100 Carmen Road from 2pm Saturday 5th November. We plan to raise the profile of this urgent situation and get as much donated funds to the Rangitikei community as we can."

So far the Occupy Christchurch protesters have raised $200 which will be sent to the CMP workers at the end of the week.

"This dispute could hold grave ramifications for every worker in this country, we all have a part to play" Concluded Mr Jones.

ENDS

Further info can be found at:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/211101752294033/ facebook support group
http://www.facebook.com/occupychristchurch

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