8 November 2011

Locked out workers to protest outside mediation

100 locked out meat workers will protest outside Palmerston North mediation services tomorrow at 12 noon, Department of Labour, Level 4, 65 Rangitikei Street.

ANZCO locked out 111 sheep slaughter and processing workers at their CMP Rangitikei plant on October 9.

The New Zealand Meat Workers Union (NZMWU) members have refused to sign an individual contract which would result in a 15-20% pay cut, shift changes and reductions in allowances.

The New Zealand Meat Workers Union (NZMWU) negotiator Roger Middlemass says workers will picket the plant at State Highway 1 near Marton from 5am tomorrow morning before moving the picket to the city.

“ANZCO have repeatedly made it clear their proposed cuts are not related to our members’ performance,” he says. “Despite this we’ve agreed to help the company out provided management from Sir Graham Harrison down are willing to take the same 10% pay cut.”

Union members will vote on any new offer on Thursday 10 November, Marton Memorial Hall, 399 Wellington Rd at 10am.

ENDS

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