Locked-out New Zealand meat workers back on the job!

The over 100 meat workers who have been locked out from the CMP Rangitikei plant since October 19 will return to the plant tomorrow, December 23, after ratifying a mediated settlement.

Following negotiations on December 21, a settlement was reached that has been accepted by the workers. The settlement includes some pay cuts, but these have been reduced to a level that the workers were prepared to accept. Importantly, all the non-cost conditions that the company sought to remove have been put back in the new agreement and the workers will receive a return-to-work payment supplemented by an additional amount on January 1st.

The New Zealand Meat Workers Union thanks the IUF, its affiliates and all those who sent messages, stressing the important role the international and national pressure played in moving the company.