Locked out and striking Rangiuru freezing workers are picketing outside the freezing works gates today.
The placard waving crowd of workers and family were cheering the passing traffic and booing the van loads of non-union workers going entering the access road which today has security guards on duty.
Workers striking this morning.
About 200 men are being locked out by Affco owners Talleys, and a similar number are striking in protest at the lockout says Rangiuru Meat Workers Union shed official Kaipara McGarvey.
The industrial action at Rangiuru is part of a national lock out at Affco plants at Moerewa, Horotiu, Feilding, Whanganui and Wairoa.
No workers have been locked out at Wiri and Napier which are both fully unionised.
Kaipara says about 213 men have been locked out, about half the union membership at the plant.
The lock out and strike will leave about 200 men working at Rangiuru today.
6 comments
14GK
Posted on 06-03-2012 10:35 | By 14GK
Is it just me or are unions flexing their muscles again! This probably reflects a renewed influence of unions in the Labour Party. The usual suspects; Maritme Union and the Meatworkers Union are once again "demanding" more money, perks and softer work conditions while offering nothing in return. NZ has had enough of this rubbish. Go back to work you lot or make room for those that WANT to work!
lock out
Posted on 06-03-2012 13:50 | By wazzock
it's just you 14GK - it's a lock out...look that up if you don't know what it means
Overit
Posted on 06-03-2012 17:44 | By overit
Hang in there guys. I have a very good friend who has been a 'freezing worker' all his working life. I am horrified how the guys who are not full time are mucked about. They cannot budget for anything, laid off more times and than working. Yes this is about Talleys squashing the union. Good luck guys I am with you.
Overit
Posted on 06-03-2012 17:52 | By overit
14GK have you not noticed how full time jobs are disappearing to become part-time and casualised. These guys are not asking for more money just job security as the Company is getting union members to train the non-union members and we all know how that will end. Union members will be forced out and the stupid non union members will work for peanuts. Talleys has a very bad record. And thats another thing, companies are shafting workers as there is so much unemployment out there, they think they can do anything and pay anything. Thats why everyone has gone to Australia but hey who cares! I flipping do.
Talley-Ban!
Posted on 06-03-2012 17:59 | By debstersstuff
14 Gk you have no idea what you are talking about. They are not demanding more money, perks or any of that rubbish you mention. Talley's is trying to do away with the union and the core agreement, which guarantees workers pay rates and seniority. They have been hiring new people, enticing them on individual contracts with a bonus $1000 (only gotten if you don't have more than 3 sick days and lower payrate) and putting these people above other union workers who have more experience and have been there for years. And, what's worse they expect the union members to train these new people or else they end up with warnings...... Is this fair???
Not a Pay Dispute
Posted on 06-03-2012 21:14 | By Locked Out Meatworker
There's a lot of people misinformed,It's not a pay dispute,It's to do with fair working conditions,We all want to go back to work.
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