The Otago Southland Meat Workers Union is calling for big changes at the South Pacific Meats plant in Invercargill, after 12 people lost fingers while using band saws in the past 18 months.

The Department of Labour is investigating the Talley’s owned plant, which union bosses say is refusing to replace old, dangerous, equipment and pushing staff too hard to hit production targets.

Otago Southland Meat Workers Union representative Gary Davis says one new band saw has been put in, but the company is refusing to budge on more improvements.

 Mr. Davis says injured staff know they will be ostracised if they speak publicly about the situation, and some have even been forced back to work early.

Talley’s management was not available for comment.