NSW: Meatworkers given the all clear to return to work - union

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NSW: Meatworkers given the all clear to return to work - union

A US food giant has opted to lift a three-month lock-out of hundreds of meatworkersat an abattoir in regional New South Wales.

More than 470 workers at Cargill's Wagga Wagga abattoir were locked out yesterday despiteaccepting a union and management-brokered pay deal.

Cargill management had said the three month lock-out notice would remain in place untila similar deal was reached with 16 maintenance workers on the site.

But management today lifted the lock-out, with operations resuming on Friday.

Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union organiser STEVE GURNEY says management isstill involved in talks with maintenance workers but lifted the lock-out because the majorityof employees on-site wanted to return to work.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the maintenance workers were not preparedto accept the same pay offer.

A spokesman for Cargill says operations at the plant will resume on Friday.

AAP RTV nd/arb/ld/rp

KEYWORD: CARGILL (SYDNEY)