Simon Bridges wrong; Silver Fern Farms workers not striking, deal made six months ago

The January strike at Silver Fern Farms. Photo / File

A claim this week from National leader Simon Bridges that Silver Fern Farm workers were thinking of striking, turned out to be six months out of date.

At Parliamentary Question Time on Tuesday, Bridges asked Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters if he disputed that any of the nurses, midwives, Auckland bus drivers, bottled water workers or workers at the Public Service Association, Premier Bacon, Lyttelton port, Hastings Pak'nSave, Hawke's Bay Silver Fern Farms, Burger King, Nelmac or Events Cinema were going on strike.

However, both the E tū workers union and Silver Fern Farms confirmed there was no strike action due regarding Hawke's Bay workers.

Maintenance workers at SFF's meat processing plant at Takapau went on a two-day strike in January before reaching an agreement later that month.

"We came to an amicable agreement with staff back in January and we've had a successful season," Silver Fern Farms head of sustainability and communications Justin Courtney said.

No other workers at the plant or elsewhere at its Hawke's Bay operations were planning strike action.

E tū food sector industry coordinator Phil Knight said there was a walk-off over New Year but added all collective agreements had now been settled.

"Industrial action formed part of the backdrop to enable the parties to reach a settlement. So, he's incorrect in stating they are looking to take action."

Knight said Bridges' comments on the Carterton-based Premier Bacon workers should also be clarified.

"Merely, members there are saying they will work normal rostered daily hours. They will not be working any overtime but they will be working."