Te Tai Tonga MP apprehensive in light of Sealords Decision

Rahui Katene, MP for Te Tai Tonga

Monday 2 March 2009

Te Tai Tonga MP Rahui Katene, has tonight spoken of her grave fears for the people of Nelson and Te Tau Ihu, in the wake of news that Sealord Company plans to lay off potentially 180 workers from their Nelson plant.

 “Sealord has been a very significant employer for Maori” said Mrs Katene.  “One of my first holiday jobs was at Sealords and it’s the same for many of my whanaunga”.

“Our whanau have been employed over decades in the fishing vessels, in the processing facilities and in the offices”.

“Today’s announcements not only signal the inevitable and significant job losses that will result from restructuring – they also forewarn the company’s proposal to reduce employee wages by around $70 per week”.

“On top of the loss of 323 staff at the shellfish factory in Nelson in June last year, today’s plans may place up to 500 whanau in a vulnerable position” said Mrs Katene.

“In the recent Jobs Summit; and the Maori Economic Summit hosted by Dr Pita Sharples, a key theme was the threat of any recession having a disproportionately negative impact on Maori compared to non-Maori” said Mrs Katene.

“The Sealords decision demonstrates the reality of the significant risks that this recession will bring to whanau, hapu and iwi” said Mrs Katene.

“I will certainly be raising this issue with my Maori Party colleagues at tomorrow’s caucus meeting” said Mrs Katene.

“This is a huge blow for many of my constituents, and no stone must be left uncovered in the response that is made – quickly – to support the people most at risk.  I expect the Government to front up – and I expect the Maori shareholders of Sealords will also be doing all that they can to care for not only the profit margins of a Maori company – but also the wellbeing of its workers”.

ends

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