Nwicker60
24-Nov-11, 09:10
Farmers urged to plan for industrial action
NFU Scotland is urging its members to plan ahead in view of possible industrial action shutting down meat plants next week.
Farmers planning to have animals slaughtered next Wednesday, 30 November are being advised by NFU Scotland to speak to their preferred livestock agents and abattoirs and, if necessary, consider alternative arrangements.
Planned industrial action across government by public service workers may mean the Food Standards Agency (FSA) not operating in licensed premises, and as a result abattoirs being closed. The FSA is responsible for the compulsory meat hygiene inspection regime at abattoirs. FSA staff members are UNISON members, and that union is supporting the planned industrial action by public sector workers.
NFU Scotland’s Livestock Policy Manager Penny Johnston said: “As with all industrial action, it is likely that there will be disruption to workplaces including abattoirs, next Wednesday. That is disappointing and worrying in the run up to the important Christmas period. It would be worthwhile for anyone planning to take stock to an abattoir next week to contact the meat plant in advance to make sure arrangements are in place.
Ms Johnston added: “We are aware that some plants are already putting contingency plans in place and may increase throughput at other times of the week to compensate for losing a day’s processing. That makes it all the more important that livestock producers pick up the phone to their agent or abattoir just to establish appropriate times when stock can be collected and delivered.”
NFU Scotland is urging its members to plan ahead in view of possible industrial action shutting down meat plants next week.
Farmers planning to have animals slaughtered next Wednesday, 30 November are being advised by NFU Scotland to speak to their preferred livestock agents and abattoirs and, if necessary, consider alternative arrangements.
Planned industrial action across government by public service workers may mean the Food Standards Agency (FSA) not operating in licensed premises, and as a result abattoirs being closed. The FSA is responsible for the compulsory meat hygiene inspection regime at abattoirs. FSA staff members are UNISON members, and that union is supporting the planned industrial action by public sector workers.
NFU Scotland’s Livestock Policy Manager Penny Johnston said: “As with all industrial action, it is likely that there will be disruption to workplaces including abattoirs, next Wednesday. That is disappointing and worrying in the run up to the important Christmas period. It would be worthwhile for anyone planning to take stock to an abattoir next week to contact the meat plant in advance to make sure arrangements are in place.
Ms Johnston added: “We are aware that some plants are already putting contingency plans in place and may increase throughput at other times of the week to compensate for losing a day’s processing. That makes it all the more important that livestock producers pick up the phone to their agent or abattoir just to establish appropriate times when stock can be collected and delivered.”