Afco challenge goes to court

The meat workers union began its challenge over the legality of the Talley's Affco lockout in Auckland yesterday.

The challenge will last five days in the Employment Court. The union is seeking a permanent injunction on the lockout, legal costs and lost wages for members since February 29 - 78 days ago.

The union is also seeking a declaration that Talley's actions have undermined collective bargaining and a worker's right to be in a union. No indication has been given on when a court decision would be made.

The court case was originally set down for April 23-24 but the court decided there wasn't enough time to hear the union's evidence. A confidential 'settlement conference' in front of a judge on April 26 failed to end legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Affco workers were due to march up the main street of Te Puke on Saturday at 9am, followed by a family day starting at 11.30am at Donovan Park, Te Puke.