It’s only a couple of weeks since the head of the Talley’s Group, Sir Peter Talley, was knighted for services to business and philanthropy.  But you have to wonder what the thousands of years of collective service of hard working union members in the Talley’s owned meat works at Rangiuru count for with the latest action by Sir Peter’s company AFFCO.

In a repeat of 2012, the company is asking workers to sign new individual agreements before they return to work after the season.  The Company say they are new workers despite years of previous service.

The NZ Meat Workers Union says this is an unlawful lockout and are seeking an injunction in the Employment Court to prevent the company denying workers a return to work after the season with a view to compelling them to accept new individual employment agreements.

The workers are expressing their deep disappointment that they are going through the same arguments of three years ago and their company seems to want it all their way, or it’s the highway.

“This is our town, our home, our jobs.  Many people are affected by the changes AFFCO want to make to our pay and conditions” say the workers.

 “All we want is a fair go, and we want to believe the best of Sir Peter Talley.

“Perhaps he should come to our town to talk with his workers about what service really means."