Media release: FIRST Union

Tuesday 26 November, 2013

New union president calls for logging firm to stop holding Tachikawa workers to ransom

FIRST Union’s new president is calling on a logging firm to stop standing in the way of Tachikawa’s 120 workers getting urgently needed money owed to them before Christmas.

Syd Keepa was elected FIRST Union president at regional conferences last month. He chairs his first meeting of the union’s national executive in Rotorua today. He is a former National President of the Wood Industries Union, one of FIRST Union’s historical constituent unions.

“Tachikawa workers were expecting to get a substantial payment before Christmas with their wages, redundancy and holiday pay,” Syd Keepa said.

“But late last week it emerged that this is being put in jeopardy by a claim from one of the log supplying companies on the same pool of money, over and above what the receivers believe they are entitled to.”

“Regardless of whether they have any grounds for this claim, if they continue with their legal action then the receivers have no option but to place the matter before the Court which takes both time, and money away from the pool available to creditors including workers.”

“Tachikawa workers have been dealt a huge blow with the loss of their jobs and livelihoods. The actions of a logging firm in blocking them getting partial payment of what they are owed is unforgiveable,” Syd Keepa said.

The union’s national executive will be updated on the Tachikawa situation today and what further support is needed for the workers.

Ends.

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