A meatworker locked out by her employer for not signing a new individual contract says her tamariki support her decision and are willing to go without Christmas presents.
CMP Rangitikei, near Marton in the central North Island, served workers with a lock out notice after they refused to sign new individual employment contracts.
The agreements included a pay cut, shift changes and a reduction in allowances.
About 100 workers remain locked out - many of them Maori.
They have been picketing outside the company since 19 October, when negotiations broke down.
A locked out worker, Pene Wiari, says her husband and four children have supported her move not to go back to work.
She says she told her children there is going to be no Christmas this year and they were very understanding about it.
Ms Wiari says the situation really hits in the heart.
She says it has been tough at home, but she's grateful to friends, extended family and local people for donating kai and money, and even a Christmas tree.
Another meatworker from the lamb processing plant says demands by his employer are a kick in the guts.
The company says it's necessary to make changes to wages and conditions because it's under big cost pressures.
Paul Rimini, who has also been locked out, has served the company for three and a half years.
He says the deal being proposed by CMP Rangitikei, puts him under huge strain to meet everyday costs.
CMP Rangitikei declined to be interviewed but says union workers still have their jobs to go to once they sign a new contract, and they have started hiring new staff for the peak season.
