The New Zealand Meat Workers Union and AFFCO NZ Ltd reached an agreement on a new collective employment agreement this week and the locked out workers are returning to work. Ratification meetings for the agreement will be completed by next Monday.

Union President Mike Nahu said “The settlement secures the core issues of concern to our members.  It retains protection of wages and employment security and ensures workers continue to have their terms and conditions set by a union negotiated agreement”.

“These twelve weeks have tested our union and its members to the core and they have shown incredible commitment to their principles and to each other” Mike Nahu said.  “Families have suffered extensive hardship and they will be extremely relieved to see the end of the dispute and to return to jobs they love and know they are good at”.

“The union wants to acknowledge the magnificent support it has received from Iwi Leaders to bring about this result.  Maori dominated this group of workers and Iwi recognised the interest of their members were at stake on the picket line.  They showed incredible skill, resolve and solidarity in working with us and the Company right until the documents were signed and I know the members of the union are extremely grateful and proud of the role they undertook.” 

Well done also to FIRST Union members who supported the Talleys-Affco workers, donated money or went on the picket line.