More than 350 workers are facing job losses after Heinz Wattie’s announced plans to close factories in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and cease packing at its frozen lines in Hastings. The closures will see the end of Wattie’s frozen vegetables, Gregg’s coffee, and dips sold under Mediterranean, Just Hummus, and Good Taste Company brands. The products will not be sold or transferred to another producer.
E tū delegate Kathy Perrin, who has worked at Heinz Wattie’s for 46 years in different roles, says the impact on workers will be devastating.
“I am gutted for our workmates. Some are retirement age, paying high rents, living pay cheque to pay cheque,” Kathy says.
“The devastating financial and emotional impact on my colleagues cannot be overstated. The average length of service is around 30 years. There is nowhere else to go.
“We’re all disappointed with how Heinz Wattie’s have handled this.”
Kathy says the company has also let down its long-serving seasonal workers.
“Seasonal workers who have worked here for over 20 years are being made redundant without financial compensation. They have been let down. The company should be making sure they receive compensation, and that a fair process is followed supporting those who will be impacted by this change.”
E tū Director Finn O’Dwyer-Cunliffe says the annouced closures are a massive blow for workers, their whānau, and the wider communities that depend on these jobs.
“These workers have given decades of their lives to this company. For many, this is the only job they’ve known. The impact on them and their families will be severe,” Finn says.
“It’s not just the factory workers. Around 220 growers in the Canterbury region alone supply the Christchurch site. The ripple effects of these closures will be felt across entire communities.
“This is part of an unfortunately familiar pattern of local manufacturing shutting down across Aotearoa. We’ve seen it with Carter Holt Harvey at Eves Valley, Sealord in Nelson, Kinleith Pulp and Paper, and now Heinz Wattie’s. It’s a trend that is deeply damaging to workers, to communities, and to the country.”
Finn says Aotearoa should be producing more food locally, not less.
“We should be investing in local manufacturing, keeping people employed, and strengthening our food security. Instead, we’re watching iconic New Zealand brands disappear from our production lines. That’s not good for workers, it’s not good for regional economies, and it’s not good for the country.
“The Government has been asleep at the wheel while local manufacturing collapses around the country. These are market failures that demand a response, and working people deserve better than a Government that shrugs its shoulders while good jobs disappear.”
Finn says E tū will be holding the company to account throughout the consultation process.
“Heinz Wattie’s talks about generous redundancy packages, but seasonal workers who have given years to this company could be made redundant without compensation. That is not acceptable. E tū will be fighting to make sure every affected worker gets a fair deal.”