CTU Media Release
5 April 2012
CTU Welcomes Legal Challenge to AFFCO Lockout
The Council of Trade Unions has welcomed the legal challenge by the NZ Meat Workers Union to the indefinite lockout of
Talley’s AFFCO workers since 29th February.
A hearing in the Employment Court has been set down for 23/24 April on an application for a permanent injunction.
Peter Conway, CTU Secretary says “this lockout is totally unnecessary. Only 10 hours of negotiations had taken place and
then Talley’s AFFCO launched an indefinite lockout of hundreds of workers”.
“The employer has said the lockout is because of litigation taken by the union against the company in relation to the
current collective agreement. It is locking out the workers in an attempt to persuade the union to drop such litigation.
Also it is obvious that Talley’s AFFCO are using the lockout to persuade workers to leave the union and sign individual
agreements”.
“In our view that means the lockout is unlawful and we welcome the scrutiny of the Employment Court on this matter”.
Peter Conway said that the indefinite lockout of so many workers is causing tremendous hardship for families but other
unions and the NZCTU are rallying in support of these workers. The workers have been strengthened by community support
as a huge campaign gears up in support.
ENDS