International online activism contributes to win for meat packers in New Zealand

The online efforts of activists and civil society organizations around the world have contributed to a big win for meat packers in New Zealand.

With the online support of UFCW Canada and other allies, the 100-plus meat workers at the CMP Rangitikei plant will return to work on December 23, after ratifying a mediated settlement that ended a two month lockout.

Following negotiations on December 21, a settlement was reached that has been accepted by the workers. As part of the settlement, all non-cost conditions which 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.

In a statement, the New Zealand Meat Workers Union thanked activists around the world for their many messages of support and for stressing the important role that international and national pressure played in moving the company.