Sabotage, assault claims in dairy factory lockout

A lockout of workers at a Waikato dairy factory continued last night as claims and counter-claims of industrial and environmental sabotage and an assault against a worker flew in an increasingly bitter dispute.

Thirty-six workers, about half the permanent workforce at Open Country Dairy's Waharoa plant, walked off the job last week over a contracts dispute.

The Dairy Workers Union called an early end to the eight-day strike on Monday but the workers have been locked out.

The workers' union claims the firm's move to use workers from other plants and farms is illegal.

A complaint has also been laid with police after allegations a manager at the plant assaulted a worker earlier this week.

Open Country has accused striking workers of trying to sabotage the factory.

Dairy Workers Union national secretary James Ritchie said he had "no idea" how long the strike would last, although Open Country has issued notice of a six-week lock-out for workers who continue to strike starting today.

Mr Ritchie said both parties would meet in the Employment Court in Auckland tomorrow to discuss the legalities of using outsiders as workers.