Carter Holt Harvey Industrial Dispute Update

11 October 2005

Carter Holt Harvey Industrial Dispute Update

Company and union officials met for over an hour at Carter Holt Harvey’s Marsden Point laminated veneer lumber mill this morning, but made no progress after the union confirmed employees would not be returning to work.

Contrary to one union report, there were no issues with the union team entering the site. A number of police were present to escort several trucks through the picket line that has been in place since the strike began on 22 September. “A police escort through pickets is a normal safety precaution and was unrelated to the meeting,” said Paul Mackay, general manager employment relations for Carter Holt Harvey.

Mr Mackay said a number of striking employees also entered the site while the meeting was underway. They were spoken to by the union officials and the plant manager and eventually left.

“The situation remains unchanged,” said Mr Mackay. “The employees have elected to remain on strike. Negotiations therefore are off the agenda until they return to work. It is in their and their families interests that this be as soon as possible,” he said.

ENDS

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