Air NZ engineers shattered by job losses

October 19, 2005

Media Release

Air NZ engineers shattered
by job losses

Air New Zealand engineers are shattered to learn that 600 of them could lose their jobs.

The company today announced that it proposes making 600 of the 2100 engineers redundant in July next year.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said that workers had suspected for some time that “something was up”, but were stunned to learn the extent of the proposed redundancies.

“Air New Zealand Engineering Services is a proud business with a highly skilled, world-class workforce,” he said.

“These people have shown loyalty and dedication to build up a top-quality engineering facility, and they are devastated by the extent of the planned down-sizing.”

Mr Little said that he had sought an urgent meeting with Air New Zealand managers to discuss the situation.

“We will be involved in consultation with the company over the next few months,” he said.

“We will be doing all we can to help the company to save as many jobs as possible, or to find other work for these people. It is important that their skills are not lost to the New Zealand economy.”

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