August 22, 2012
Redundancies at Axiam Metals
Wanganui engineering firm Axiam Metals has told workers it will be making 44 redundancies due to the tough global
economic environment.
The company produces product components for largely overseas export markets, but has suffered falling sales in recent
times. It is currently in a consultation process to confirm the extent of the redundancies and who will be affected.
EPMU organiser Colin Webster says the redundancies will have an impact on the workers, their families and the wider
community.
“These are good, skilled jobs and their loss will be a blow to Wanganui. The sad truth is there aren’t many similar jobs
around in Wanganui, and for a lot of our members this will mean having to leave the region and possibly New Zealand to
find similar work.
“This shows the need for a government plan to help build a high wage, innovative manufacturing sector that can provide
skilled jobs for regions like Wanganui.
“Axiam is a proud and successful business in Wanganui and it is sad that they’ve been put into this position through no
real fault of their own. The company has been very communicative and proactive with the union and there is a union
redundancy agreement in place for all affected workers.”
Workers at Axiam Metals are represented by the EPMU and the Manufacturing & Construction Union.
The unions will be working together to ensure the redundancy selection process is fair and that any workers affected
receive the full redundancy compensation they’re entitled to under their collective agreement.
ENDS