For immediate public release

Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch plans solidarity picket for locked-out CMP workers

At 2pm on Saturday the 5th November, Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch will unite with workers, unions, campaign groups and local solidarity networks to take to the streets and bring some much needed attention to the plight of the 111 locked-out Canterbury Meat Packer workers up north

"For almost 2 weeks the unionised workforce at CMP's Rangitikei's lamb plant near Palmerston North have been locked out by their bosses. Their crime? Not accepting a pay cut of up to 30% and an increase in work rate. The 111 workers and their families are now being starved out until they either accept the deal or, with the support of the people of Aotearoa, beat these disgusting acts of corporate pressure!" Stated Union Organiser and participant of Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch, Matt Jones.

This Saturday, the ANZCO Foods Australasia & New Zealand Meat Marketing Office on 100 Carmen Road in Hornby, Christchurch, will be the stage for an act of solidarity as well as an opportunity to gather some much needed funding for the struggling workers. CMP is a subsidiary of the multinational corporation ANZCO which supplies New Zealand meat throughout the world, as well as McDonalds here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

An urgent fund has been set up for the families and money is beginning to pour in - "however with so many mouths to feed there is still much work to do," continued Mr Jones. Details for the fund:

KiwiBank account Name: Disputes Fund.

Account number: 38-9007-0894028-08.

Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch has raised $200 to go towards the families effected. This money has been raised internally within the occupation and from donations from the public specifically for the cause.

"International pressure on this group will also be paramount for the future of our brothers and sisters in Rangitikei. Large corporations who put profit before people and hold entire communities to ransom can be overcome by networking and united campaigns from the Occupy Movement, unions and solidarity groups. These bullying tactics from employers must be put into the history books." Concluded Mr Jones.

Occupy Ōtautahi Christchurch has been based Occupy Corner at South Hagley Park for almost three weeks. In support of the Occupy Wall Street phenomena the group hold open daily general assemblies and 'free markets' as well as community events each weekend. They have been busy networking with community groups and organisations, and supply free kai and coffee to the public.

On Saturday the 5th of Novemeber there are also workshops planned to commemorate Parihaka from 11am to 1pm and Guy Fawkes celebrations planned from 6pm at Occupy Corner. A press release will follow for the Parihaka commemoration. More information can be found at www.occupychristchurch.org.

ENDS

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