Kaitaia march cancelled as talks scheduled

A planned march through Kaitaia over the proposed closure of the Tanner timber mill was called off today pending a meeting between senior union officials and company directors.

Workers were to march through the town at 10am in support of their call to keep the mill open, and there was to be a public meeting at 7pm.

However, both events were cancelled at 9.30am.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little, who was involved in discussions with the company’s lawyers this morning, said that the meeting, scheduled for Friday morning in Auckland, was a step forward.

“The union has agreed to meet with the company on the express condition that we are there to find a way forward,” he said.

A local organiser with the union, Robert Popata, said that the workers were delighted with the news.

“They’re really pleased that progress is being made, and decided to cancel the march and public meeting as a sign of good faith.”

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