The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) and the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) met yesterday
(Wednesday 21 February) in a mediation process that began soon after 2pm and was not completed until after midnight.
MAF put an offer to the union representing its striking vets. The offer was then jointly refined by MAF and NUPE, and is
to be put to NUPE members today.
NUPE Secretary Ivan Finlayson said that if indications from his members were favourable the strike notices would be
lifted and a return to work would occur on Friday.
‘Formal ratification would then be undertaken,’ he said.
Both MAF Assistant Director General Grant Burney and Mr Finlayson said there would be no further public comment until
5pm. (Thursday) At this point MAF and NUPE would announce whether or not there would be a return to work on Friday.