Media Release - NZ Meat Workers Union

28 February 2012

Talley’s Affco break down bargaining

The Meat Workers union was astounded at mediation today when the bargaining team from Tallies confirmed they were not at mediation to bargain a new collective agreement, but simply to meet the requirements of the Employment Relations Act to meet when a lockout notice has been issued.

Talley’s have issued a notice to the Meat Workers Union for an indefinite lockout of over 700 workers from tomorrow in order to introduce new provisions in the collective agreement. The company acknowledge this would give them the ability to unilaterally reduce workers pay without agreement.

Meat Workers Union National Secretary Dave Eastlake expressed dismay that these workers are being treated this way “by a wholly owned New Zealand company that is dominant in the New Zealand food sector.”

“Our members will really suffer in the weeks of this lockout and the company is showing no respect for how hard they work and how loyal they are” Dave Eastlake said.

“We are now left with no choice but to organise a campaign targeting this company and calling on the people of New Zealand to support us to get a fair deal,” Dave Eastlake said.

The union position presented in the bargaining today is attached.

ENDS

Microsoft_Word__Meat_Workers_Union_response_to_AFFCO_negotiations_28_February.pdf
MWU_union_claims_response.pdf

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