Meat inspectors end industrial action

Meat inspectors have ended their industrial action after reaching a settlement with their employer at two days of mediation.

The employees -- who are members of the Public Service Association (PSA) and employed by State-owned enterprise Asure New Zealand -- were seeking a 5 per cent pay increase for the next two years and extension of annual leave and sick leave provisions for employees who started after 1998.

The PSA has meat inspectors who are members in freezing works nationwide.

PSA assistant secretary Jeff Osborne said he were pleased the union negotiating team were in a position to propose a settlement to members.

All notices of industrial action at meat processing plants throughout New Zealand would be withdrawn today.

"The work to rule industrial action has been successful at showing the employer that our members are serious about a decent pay deal," he said.

The PSA would hold a series of meetings to seek endorsement from members to settle the collective agreement.

Mr Osborne said he expected the ratification process to take about two weeks.

- NZPA