Most Imlay meatworkers forced to return to work this season on individual employment agreements are now back on their collective agreement, New Zealand Meat Workers' Union Imlay secretary Ashley Cooper said.
When the new season began, meat company Affco would employ only workers willing to accept individual employment agreements. A November 18 Employment Court judgment said that was illegal.
Most were now back on the collective and Mr Cooper is working to get the late ones on.
The season is at its peak, with two chains and about 500 staff working. New people being employed are on individual contracts, but many are asking to join the union.
Union morale is high, following the Employment Court decision. "Even former union members who have been sitting on the fence want to rejoin."