Logjam cleared for Tachikawa workers

On Day 13 of the closure of Rotorua’s Tachikawa sawmill, the logjam for workers has been cleared and WINZ is able to provide the support the people are entitled to.

“Last week I made representations to Minister Paula Bennett and talked with Rotorua MP Todd McClay. Today I have received an assurance from the Minister that confusion over stand-down periods has been resolved and workers are now receiving real help from WINZ,” said independent MP Brendan Horan.

“Today it is important that every person who worked at the sawmill makes contact with WINZ and gets registered. I understand from sources that there may be as many as 60 former employees and contractors who are still to make contact with WINZ.

“These are people who have suffered traumatic stress over the last three weeks. Over 80% of the workforce got fired by text.

“When I talked with workers face-to-face on Monday, I learned that the message they had heard about standdown periods was very different to the message WINZ said they were giving. That added to stress and I will be following that up with the Minister,” said Brendan Horan.

While the sawmill is closed, the direct and indirect cost to the Rotorua economy exceeds $10 million per year and there are long term ramifications for the community. The closure affects the whole community and Brendan Horan has called for the Government to use intervention economics, keep everyone in work and keep the local economy buzzing.

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