More than 350 workers are set to lose their jobs after Heinz Wattie’s confirmed it will proceed with plans to close its New Zealand factories, in a move that is sending shockwaves through communities and the wider manufacturing sector.
Union E tū says the decision is part of a growing trend of manufacturing shutdowns, with workers increasingly bearing the brunt of corporate decisions made both in New Zealand and offshore.
Long-serving worker and E tū delegate Kathy Perrin, who has spent more than four decades with the company, says the announcement has been devastating for staff and their whānau. She says many workers had held onto hope that the closures might be avoided, but the confirmation has left families facing an uncertain future.
Perrin says the impact will be felt across a wide range of households, including older workers still renting, families with young children, and employees dealing with health challenges. Many are living week to week, and the loss of income will place immediate financial pressure on those already struggling with high living costs.
There has been some relief following the company’s decision to offer redundancy packages above contractual obligations for seasonal workers, but concerns remain about what comes next. Perrin says finding new employment may be difficult for many, particularly in the current economic climate.
E tū Director Finn O’Dwyer-Cunliffe says the closures reflect a broader pattern across the manufacturing sector, with more job losses expected if current trends continue. He says multinational companies are choosing to exit the New Zealand workforce, while a lack of a clear industrial strategy is leaving workers exposed.
The union says it has worked to secure fair redundancy entitlements for its members and is continuing to push for support measures to help affected workers transition into new employment.
E tū is also calling on Heinz Wattie’s to remain engaged in supporting its workforce through the transition, including working with the union to identify pathways into future jobs.
As the sector faces ongoing uncertainty, the closures highlight growing concerns about the long-term sustainability of manufacturing in Aotearoa and the need for stronger protections and planning to support workers and communities.
