100 union members and delegates targeted in AFFCO Talley’s Rangiuru layoff

Two union delegates reinstated on an interim basis just over a week ago by the Employment Relations Authority are among more than 100 union members who have been laid off at the AFFCO Talley’s Meat Works in Rangiuru in a plan that appears to be designed by the Talley’s Group to defy court rulings says the NZ Meat Workers Union.

“Shed Secretary Bertie Ratu and delegate Charmaine Takai were sacked last year, when they went to work early to talk to upset union members. The Employment Authority awarded them reinstatement on an interim basis a week ago,” says Darien Fenton, NZMWU National Director of Organising.

“Now they and around 100 union members, some with 35 to 45 years unblemished service at AFFCO Rangiuru have been laid off and preference given to inexperienced workers who the company has managed to get to sign their preferred individual agreement.

“AFFCO Talley’s doesn’t seem to care if it breaks the law and recent Court decisions. They are hell-bent on getting their way and are indifferent to the consequences for the workers, their families and the community.

“The NZMWU has asked AFFCO Talley to explain, but has received no response.

“Understandably, the workers are furious. This comes on top of petty dictates about union t-shirts, Waitangi day issues and on-going breaches of the union agreement.

“The NZMWU will return to Court. Again. But in the meantime, the workers, their whanau and community will be bracing themselves for the impact of yet another assault on AFFCO Talley workers,” Ms Fenton says.

ENDS

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