Textile layoffs/short weeks confirmed

Media release: National Distribution Union
Friday March 27 2009

Textile layoffs/short weeks confirmed

“The downturn in the textile industry continues to bite with closures, redundancies and short weeks confirmed in three major companies,” says Robert Reid, President of New Zealand’s textile union, the National Distribution Union (NDU).

“Yesterday Pacific Brands told staff that it had confirmed its decision to exit from manufacturing at its Christchurch and Palmerston North plants. This will see a loss of 38 jobs in Christchurch and 51 in Palmerston North.

“Pacific Brands has announced that both factories are for sale as going concerns so it is possible that some jobs could be created if either of them finds a buyer,” says Robert Reid.

Yesterday also saw negotiations at Summit’s Oamaru mill finalise a voluntary redundancy agreement that could see a loss of up to 60 jobs. The unions and the company are investigating the use of the Government’s 9 day fortnight to prevent another 20 redundancies. It is hoped that these two methods will reduce or eliminate the need for any compulsory redundancies.

“Finally, carpet maker Cavalier Bremworth has negotiated a series of four, four-day weeks with the NDU to try and reduce stock and inventory levels. The short weeks start today.”

“These four-day weeks will see workers using holiday pay as payment for the fifth un-worked day.

“The union is hopeful that these measures will be enough to reduce inventories to manageable levels and protect jobs. If not, the NDU is talking to the company and government about the introduction of the 9 day fortnight at Cavalier,” says Robert Reid.

ENDS

© Scoop Media