Union hopes ComCom decision will ensure fair play

Union hopes Commerce Commission decision will ensure fair play in the office products market

There are fears the growing centralised ownership within the business of stationery and office supplies could eventually lead to a monopoly on the New Zealand market, and a loss of around 100 jobs.

FIRST Union is pleased the Commerce Commission has previously ruled that Winc must divest itself of its New Zealand business before it could buy OfficeMax Holdings Limited due to concerns of a lack of competition within the market.

Now, the Commission is expected to announce the new purchaser of Winc New Zealand in the coming days, and FIRST Union hopes it chooses wisely for the sake of workers, and business. Winc’s equity firm owner, Platinum, plans to divest Winc NZ to address the competition concerns within the office products market.

But FIRST Union General Secretary Dennis Maga explains why many remain concerned, “What we now hope is that whatever company is approved, that it has the experience in the market to stay afloat, to keep a level playing field for all businesses who rely on its products, and most importantly for us, the company can provide continued employment for the more than 100 workers at Winc New Zealand.”

Mr Maga says if Winc New Zealand was sold to a company without the experience and ability to stay in the market, workers could lose their jobs, and a monopoly could emerge.

“Stationery is a staple purchase for just about all New Zealand businesses, including government and schools, and there are 100-odd workers nervously awaiting the outcome - it’s very important they get this right.”

ENDS

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