13 December, 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

General Cable closure devastating for local community

E tū says the closure of General Cable in Christchurch is news its members have been dreading and the impact will be measured in more than just lost jobs.

General Cable confirmed yesterday it will cease manufacturing in this country from March next year, with the loss of more than 160 jobs.

E tū organiser, Ross Heslop says the closure is devastating for members, who now find themselves in the difficult position of trying to find a job in the tight Christchurch labour market.

He says the closure will also affect the wider Christchurch economy.

“This decision not only affects our members and their families but will also have a flow on effect to other businesses, including suppliers of goods and services to General Cable. Some are small operators who are reliant on General Cable’s business, says Ross.

“These are well paid jobs so the loss will also be felt by the wider Christchurch business community.”

Ross says it’s time for the government to front up and secure manufacturing as an ongoing contributor to the New Zealand economy.

“We need this government to put some policies in place to preserve the long-term future of manufacturing in New Zealand,” he says.

ENDS

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