Textile workers at Gale Pacific are anxiously awaiting a final response from management following consultation with their unions over the company’s proposal to move operations to China.

The National Distribution Union represents 80% of workers at the Christchurch plant and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union represent the remainder of staff.

NDU Southern Region Secretary Paul Watson said that management announced their proposal to move the company’s operations to China two weeks ago and entered into a consultation process with the two unions last week.

“Gale Pacific workers feel that they have been locked out of management’s decision making process,” he said. “The workers and their families want certainty about their futures and should have been involved in decisions that will have a huge impact on their lives.”

“The National Distribution Union is doing everything we can to keep their jobs in New Zealand, but we feel the chance is remote.”

Mr Watson said that the Board are awaiting feedback from staff and unions until making a final decision on the proposal.

The unions will report back the company’s response to staff next Monday the 16th of July at 5pm.

ENDS

CONTACTS:

NDU Southern Region Secretary Paul Watson on O21 618 395