There are disruptions to the collection of milk by Fonterra tankers from dairy farms.
The Dairy Workers Union says the disruption is worst in Taranaki and Waikato.
But Fonterra says milk volumes and collections in some areas are in fact lower than they have been in the previous year.
The union says the disruptions are the result of a refusal by the company to replace drivers who have left. It says the current number of drivers and tankers cannot cope with increases in milk volume.
The Dairy Workers Union says the disruption is worst in Taranaki and Waikato.
Matamata dairy farmer Lloyd Downing says the collection times can be very irregular, and that's upsetting his milking routine.
He first noticed that something was wrong about six weeks ago.
Dairy Workers Union national secretary James Ritchie, says Fonterra was told in December last year that there would be a potential problem with milk collection.
He says his members are often working twelve-hour days, and the union is concerned for their safety on the road, as well as the safety of others.
Delays acknowledged
Fonterra acknowledges that there has been an increase in delayed collections from farms, compared to previous years.
It says more technical problems have been reported with tankers reported this year.
