Union concerned about Samoan replacement lockout labour

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is concerned about reports that ANZCO is recruiting new workers in Samoa for its CMP Rangitikei plant.

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Secretary Peter Conway says managers were seen at the local airport flying to Samoa.

“Unions have no issue with the normal operation of the Samoan quota,” he says. “However we have been assured by the Labour Department that they would not support new groups of migrant workers being brought into ANZCO’s CMP Rangitikei plant during the lockout.”

Mr Conway says there are legal issues about the use of replacement labour during an industrial dispute.

“The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is asking ANZCO to clarify its intentions in respect of seeking Samoan quota workers given the ongoing lockout.”

ANZCO locked out 111 workers at its CMP Rangitikei plant on October 19 for refusing to accept pay cuts of up to 20% and reductions in conditions.



•    NZCTU Secretary Peter Conway is available for interview on 027 493 9746
•    NZCTU Community Organiser Simon Oosterman is available on 021 885 410