NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to help the Tokoroa community after Carter Holt Harvey confirmed the likely closure of the plywood plant in the town.
"This is another body blow to a community already reeling from the loss of jobs at the OJI Fibre plant. 100 secure, well-paid jobs are being lost. The Government must act now to help," said Wagstaff.
"It's not just the workers directly impacted by this change who will feel its effect. Their families, communities, and the local economy have already suffered due to job losses.
"These workers could face a brighter future if the Government were to genuinely commit to delivering a just transition for Tokoroa. The skills and talents of workers don't need to be lost if we could build sustainable industries that provide well-paid jobs.
"This Government lacks the political will to invest and seems content to sit by and watch these workers and the Tokoroa community suffer.
"These job losses are the latest in a trend of large employers closing their operations in New Zealand. Unemployment is rising. Businesses are not investing. Working people are suffering. Yet there is no plan except cuts and empty promises.
"With a different approach, different outcomes are possible. It's time to change track, and invest in communities like Tokoroa, and not let them fall further behind," said Wagstaff.
