3 May 2012

Lockout facts clear: families are suffering

Meat Workers Union says Talley's Affco is trying to divert public attention from the basic fact of the dispute: it locked families out.

Meat Workers Union general secretary Dave Eastlake says the union is fighting to stop families from suffering from the lockout and to have a future with basic job security.

“The facts are pretty simple: Talley's has stopped workers from being able to go to work and earn an income to feed their kids,” he says. “The union did not stop and can't stop Talley's from lifting the Affco lock out. We want a guarantee from the company that all workers can go back to work as soon as possible, which the company refuses to do.”

Facilitation dates granted

Facilitation has been confirmed for next Monday 7, Friday 11 and Monday 14 May.

Next Monday's mediation will be cancelled with the mediator attending facilitation. Mediation will reconvene on Tuesday 8 May.

Mr Eastlake says Talley's Affco comments that it is too early to go to facilitation when families are struggling into the tenth week of the lockout shows how heartless they are.

"As long as there is one child with a parent who is locked out from work, their family members and co-workers will take action in solidarity for as long as they can," he says. "I'm heartened by the solidarity workers are showing their families despite the immense hardship and pressure the company is putting on them."

Mr Eastlake says the union has been receiving tonnes of support from everyday kiwi's who are proud there are people in this country willing to stand up for family values in the face of corporate greed.

ENDS

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