Two-day strike to hit quarantine service

Press, 4 April 1989, Page 42

Two-day strike to hit quarantine service

New Zealand’s agricultural defences will be down during a 48-hour strike this month, accord:

ing to the Public Service Association.

Risks to agriculture and animal health, together with freezing works stoppages would result from industrial action planned for April 14 and 15, the P.S.A.’s president, Ms Sue Piper, said. P.S.A. members in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries’ agricultural quarantine service will

strike for 48 hours and impose continuing work bans from April 14. Meat inspectors and

meat veterinarians will also take part in a 24-hour stoppage about the same time.

Both groups were striking over the Ministry’s

plans to take away penal rates for night work by extending shift work provisions, Ms Piper said. Airport arrivals would not be checked by quarantine officers during the strike, meaning a high risk of agricultural pests being introduced, she said.

Freezing works were also likely to close during the strike by meat inspectors and veterinarians.