Sealord to cut 160 jobs in Nelson

MEDIA RELEASE for Immediate Release

Sealord to cut 160 jobs in Nelson

160 workers at Sealord in Nelson are to lose their jobs through restructuring, within days of the Job Summit called by the Prime Minister to work out how to save jobs.

At a time when unity and collective cooperation between unions, employers and the Government is making headlines, Sealord have just demanded that their employees must accept a reduction in wages to increase profits or face dismissal.

"Sealord intends to lay off around 160 staff immediately, and have indicated to us that they may close the processing plant in the near future unless staff agree to what is effectively a $70 a week cut in wages across the board." said Neville Donaldson, SFWU Assistant National Secretary.

"At a time when most business are saying they are prepared to make less profits in order to secure employment, Sealord have demanded that workers increase the company profits by $1.8 million through wage and condition cuts."

"If staff don't agree to the proposed cut in wages and conditions within the three week consultation process, Sealord management have advised us that the board may take an option to close the processing facility in Nelson which currently employs over 500 workers"

"Although our union will do our best to protect the jobs and working conditions of our members, much more needs to be done. Sealord is an iconic New Zealand company and high level discussions need to happen urgently to stop this situation getting any worse."

"Given the commitment from the Job Summit we are expecting immediate support from the Government to save these jobs".

ENDS

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