Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs after Heinz Wattie's confirmed today it will proceed with its proposal to close factories in New Zealand. E tū understands more than 350 roles will be disestablished.

The closures come amid a string of manufacturing shutdowns that have swept through the sector in recent months, with workers across the country bearing the cost of decisions made in corporate boardrooms in New Zealand and offshore.

E tū delegate Kathy Perrin has worked at Wattie's for over 45 years. She says the announcement hit hard.

"It is disappointing. We had a thread of hope. Our members have mortgages, high rents, and live pay cheque to pay cheque. There will be a lot that will be heartbroken. We have over 65s renting, families with babies, and members with health issues. It is devastating."

Kathy says workers have taken some comfort from the company's decision to offer seasonal workers redundancy payments above its contractual obligations.

"It is a relief, and it will provide some peace of mind," she says. But she warns that many members will struggle to find other work in the current job market.

E tū Director Finn O'Dwyer-Cunliffe says the closures are part of a wider pattern, and more are likely on the way.

"Multinational companies are making a choice to walk away from New Zealand workers, and a Government with no industrial strategy is letting them do it. E tū has fought hard through this process to protect members' entitlements, including redundancy compensation. Workers need a union just to get what they're owed, and that's exactly why joining one matters."

E tū is calling on Heinz Wattie's to keep working with E tū on supporting affected members and finding pathways to future employment.

"These workers gave decades to this company. We are hopeful that we can continue to work with Heinz Wattie's to make sure they're not left behind."

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