Fears Wairoa meat plant could close early

Up to 200 workers at Affco's Wairoa sheep and lamb plant have been asked to boost productivity for no extra pay, the Meatworkers' Union says.

A union spokesman, Eric Mischefski, said the company had told workers that the plant could close early this season, from Monday, even though there was sufficient livestock to keep the meatworks running, without a lift in productivity.

Mr Mischefski told Radio New Zealand the company had indicated the closure could be as long as five months, which he predicted would hurt the local economy.

He said managers wanted the workers to lift productivity, but industrial relations at the plant midway between Gisborne and Napier were at a low point.

Affco general manager Rowan Ogg declined comment on "internal matters" at the plant, but noted that it was working through a process.

- NZPA