Whakatane Mill workers ready to take hit to save jobs

Whakatāne mill workers are likely to be worse off even if a deal to sell the mill goes ahead.

Owner SIG Combibloc is talking to firms interested in buying the 80-year-old mill, which in recent years has been retooled to produce cardboard for long life and recyclable containers.

Union delegate Rua Williams says the 200 workers had been preparing for the June closure, but efforts have also been continuing to keep the mill open in some way.

"Because we've got this potential buyer we've been negotiating a new contract which is a lot less than our current contract provides us but our main kaupapa is to ensure there is work for those that wish to remain," he says.

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