Workers and their respective unions (FIRST Union and E tū) feel they have been telling the company repeatedly that the mill needs upgrades but now feel concerned that the upgrades will take place at the workers expense.

FIRST Union President Robert Reid who attended a staff meeting this morning where the company outlined its restructuring and upgrade plans says he has numerous concerns regarding the proposal and workers have many questions.

“The news of the upgrade was overshadowed by news that the restructuring would cause around 40 redundancies and a change to shift patterns that would see most JNL workers take home reduced pay and travel costs would increase.”

He says the announcement is a major regional development and employment issue for Northland.

“The unions call on Regional Economic Development Minister  Shane Jones and Minister of Employment Willie Jackson to liaise with the parties involved to ensure that there are ongoing sustainable wood processing jobs in Northland.”

Mr Reid says workers are also concerned the company noted the soft market for its products in Japan and the problems of accessing logs Northland. “If these issues cannot be resolved then the upgrade and job losses would be for nothing.”

FIRST Union and E tū will be in consultation with the company for the next two weeks to try and thrash out the concerns workers have raised over the companies proposals.