SFWU concerned by plans to restructure Sealord

SFWU Runanga deeply concerned by plans to restructure at Sealord

The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota has expressed deep concern about the actions of Sealord in Nelson.

"I am amazed that Sealord has announced plans to restructure within a couple of days of the Government Job Summit, where representatives of Maori enterprises, unions and the Government were jointly planning strategies to save jobs." said Muriel Tunoho, Convenor of the SFWU Runanga.

"Sealord is already talking about laying off staff, and have suggested that they may even close the processing facility in Nelson unless staff agree to take a pay cut. The possibility of one of the largest Maori-owned business enterprises considering getting out of land-based processing of New Zealand fish is very worrying."

"Fisheries are a traditional source of economic and cultural wealth for iwi and hapü. Being able to provide fish or shellfish to feed whänau (family) or manuhiri (guests) has always been part of the cultural heritage of tangata whenua, or 'people of the land'. A 50% share of Sealord was purchased by the Government and given to Maori as part of a Treaty settlement back in 1992. To suggest that the factory in Nelson could now close is terrible!"

"The prospect of over 500 New Zealand workers losing their jobs unless they take a cut in their pay and conditions is very alarming and I have already received calls from Maori members employed by Sealords concerned about their future."

Notes for editors:
The Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement was signed in September 1992. The Crown agreed to fund Maori into a 50/50 joint venture with Brierley Investments Ltd to bid for Sealord Products Ltd (New Zealand's biggest fishing company) holding 27% of the New Zealand quota resource. 20% of the new species quota was also promised as well as greater representation of Maori on statutory bodies on fisheries management.

ENDS

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