Poll: Should staff get in trouble for social media posts?

Roberta Ratu

Bay freezing worker Roberta Ratu fears for her job after she made a Facebook post.

The 46-year-old union member posted on Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell's Facebook page seeking his support over employment agreement negotiations with Affco at its Rangiuru plant.

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The Waitangi resident said she was shocked when she received a warning letter from the company saying she could be dismissed or not re-engaged if she did not remove the post. In the April 28 letter, Affco described her Facebook posting as a "public media release" that breached the company's code of conduct and house rules. Affco had also entered into a bargaining agreement with the union and this required a "consultation process for media releases".

Ms Ratu said she was not counting on getting her job back.

Roberta Ratu's Facebook Post
Kia Ora Te Ururoa. Im a butcher @ Affco Rangiuru and we are currently in negotiations for a new agreement with Affco Talleys. Our last agreement expired in 2013 and we have been working on this one waiting for Talleys to negotiate a new one. At the moment we are covered by the expired agreement. Recently this week we have had a shutdown. When we return, we are not sure what Talleys will be offering the workers - to sign their individual employment agreement (IEA) or continue on our collective employment agreement (CEA) I know you came and supported us when we had a Lockout in 2012 and we really appreciated it. Thank you so much. Now we need your support once again. Can you please sign our petition for JOBS THAT COUNT. All we want is a fair deal.

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