4 May 2015

Māori Caucus call on iwi leaders support

Labour’s Māori caucus has sent an open letter to iwi leaders around the country seeking their support for meat workers currently in employment negotiations with Talleys.

“We are aware that when Talleys locked out workers for a period of 89 days in the previous round of industrial disputes, it was the pressure and influence of iwi leaders who were able to convince them that a better solution could be found, says Labour’s Māori Development spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta.

“There are currently 1000 meatworkers union members who are seeking to retain and strengthen their employment conditions. They are currently based at Fielding, Whanganui, Napier, Wairoa, Rangiuru, Horotiu, Wiri and Moerewa. Talleys is the owner of these sites that were formerly owned by AFFCO.

“We are aware that iwi leaders will be meeting in Whanganui next week and we hope that they will take up the option to discuss this open letter and support our request.

“We are calling on iwi leaders to take a collective approach to advocate for workers who are seeking our support for fair workplace conditions on all these sites,” says Nanaia Mahuta.

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