Meat works ordered to pay for tea breaks

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A meat works company has been order to pay its workers for unpaid tea breaks and overtime.

The Meatworkers Union claimed for monies owed by Lean Meats after the company failed to provide paid rest breaks which it had agreed to in its employment contract.

The union also claimed the company's failure to pay for tea breaks meant money was also owed for a consequential failure to pay overtime correctly.

Lean Meats refuted the claims, saying the money owing to its employees had already been paid.

The company said the amount owed had been "specifically incorporated" into the hourly rate. It also claimed the situation was the result of a contractual mistake.

The Employment Relations Authority found there was insufficient evidence proving the amount owed had been included in hourly pay.

The authority also found there was insufficient information to prove the situation had been caused by a contractual mistake.

It ruled in the union's favour and ordered Lean Meats to pay for its employee's meal breaks and overtime.

"The amount owing to each employee will differ. The parties are to try and resolve the issue between themselves," the authority said.

"Should the parties be unable to conclude an agreement leave is reserved for them to return to the authority for further directions."