Workers at the Alliance’s Smithfield works have been called to attend a meeting in Timaru today.
In an email circulated to Alliance staff, and sighted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese asked those who had contact with Smithfield staff to “avoid speculation about the meeting”.
Mr Wiese said more information would be announced today.
All workers, including those at present in the offseason, have been called to an 11am meeting at Caroline Bay Hall.
The Otago Daily Times understands the future of chains at both Smithfield and Pukeuri was under review.
However, Mr Wiese would only confirm a meeting for the Timaru site.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further,” he said yesterday.
NZ Meatworkers national secretary Daryl Carran said it also was only aware of the Smithfield meeting.
Beyond that, it had not been informed of any proposal affecting the Pukeuri site.
“I’m not aware of a meeting at Pukeuri,” he said.
