The Union for workers locked out of the Essity mill in Kawerau says the company's launched legal action against its own staff.
The Pulp and Paper Workers Union says the toilet paper company is seeking to make 67 employees "jointly and severally liable" with the union for $542,852 of damages plus costs.
Nearly 150 workers have been locked out from their workplace for three weeks after seeking a pay increase.
The company has not responded to our request for an interview - later in the programme we'll be talking to the union.
Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Māni Dunlop.
