Distribution workers discuss offer

A settlement offer will be discussed this morning with Progressive Enterprise distribution workers in an attempt to end a nearly month-long lockout.

Negotiations with the workers' union and Progressive management finished at 3.30am today after both sides chose to return to talks rather than fight out the egality of the lockout in the Employment Court. More than 500 workers at distribution centres in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch have been without pay since August 25.

Progressive said last night's talks had made some solid progress into ending the dispute, but would not comment further until they heard back form the workers later this morning.

National Distribution Union national secretary Laila Harre said earlier they would negotiate for as long as it took to reach an agreement.

"We've got an important job to do. We are very serious about trying to settle this dispute.

"We'll do everything we can to achieve that. If that's not achieved then we'll be in court."

Ms Harre refused to discuss last night's negotiation conditions until after it was discussed with the workers.

- NZPA