Jobs must be saved at Independent Fisheries

11 October 2013

Jobs must be saved at Independent Fisheries

The union representing workers at Independent Fisheries has called on the National government to back 200 workers at Independent Fisheries, who are facing job loss with no redundancy.

Ian Hodgetts from the Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota said Independent Fisheries called staff to meetings today to announce a proposed restructure, and the possible closing of the Woolston Processing Plant.

“These Christchurch workers have been through enough insecurity in the past two years and are devastated at the thought of losing their jobs,” he said.

“More job losses in Christchurch should not be an option. Government needs to play a role.”

Ian Hodgetts said the union was in consultation with Independent Fisheres on the proposal.

The Company has given the reasons for this proposal as reduced margins, increased costs and earthquake damage leaving building s beyond repair.

“The solutions must include strong government support to enable this Christchurch business to maintain their workforce, “he said.

“But the solutions must also include restoring land-based processing as a priority, not just in Independent Fisheries but across the industry.”

Ian Hodgetts said a decade of fishing companies moving processing to foreign –owned boats off shore had strongly contributed to the problems of companies like Independent Fisheries.

“Add to this the earthquake and no wonder we have problems. Independent Fisheries has been a good employer and we will be asking them to join us in calling on government to support proposals to keep their workers in jobs.”

Ian Hodgetts said SFWU members would meet the company next week.

ENDS

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