Meat inspectors take one week’s industrial action

21 February 2006

Meat inspectors taking one week’s industrial action from tomorrow

Meat inspectors who are members of the Public Service Association (PSA) will be taking a week of industrial action starting tomorrow (Wednesday 22 February) at 6am after mediation today to settle their pay claim failed.

Meat inspectors will perform only mandatory meat inspection duties for one week from 6am, Wednesday 22nd February until 6am on Wednesday 1 March.

“Our members are seeking a fair pay offer which recognises the important work they do in keeping the meat on our plates free from disease and infection,” said Jeff Osborne, PSA Assistant Secretary. “The decision to take industrial action was not made lightly.”

“The industrial action is aimed at showing Asure New Zealand that we are serious about our pay claim and that the offer needs to improve before this agreement can be settled,” said Osborne.

“Meat inspectors understand the importance of their work to the multi-billion dollar meat industry so this action is squarely aimed at causing maximum disruption to the employer, not the industry.”

The meat inspectors are seeking a 5 percent pay increase for the next two years and extension of annual leave and sick leave provisions for employees who started after 1998.

“There has already been more than ten days of negotiation between Asure New Zealand and the PSA including four sessions assisted by Mediators from the Department of Labour’s Mediation Service.”

The PSA has meat inspectors who are members in freezing works throughout New Zealand.

ENDS

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