Fletcher Building cuts over 60 workers' jobs

Photo / Greg Bowker

Dozens of Fletcher Building workers in Auckland and Taranaki are out of work and out of pocket, the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union says.

There were 37 workers in Taranaki and about 25 in Auckland who were given two weeks' notice that their jobs would be cut, said EPMU infrastructure industry organiser Ron Angel.

"There is no financial reason for these job cuts. Fletcher Building's profit is up 76 per cent this year."

Fletcher Construction's Building + Interiors general manager Greg Pritchard said they confirmed the closure of its Taranaki Branch earlier this month with the date set for October 2.

The branch closure reflected both the nature of work available in the Taranaki region and the shift of focus to project support from Wellington and Hamilton branches, Mr Pritchard said.

While he confirmed there would be 37 job losses in Taranaki, he did not comment on the Auckland roles.

"We understand the impact that this change may have on our people and their families and the company will be offering a range of support services if required."

However, Mr Angel said all but two of the Auckland workers would receive redundancy payouts, while hardly any of the Taranaki workers got a cent.

"These jobs are going just because the company has a new CEO who wants to do things differently.

"He has the right to change how things run, but to give workers only two weeks' notice and no compensation is simply cruel.

"Fletcher Building could easily afford to pay redundancy to their workers."

The EPMU hoped everyone would be able to find work despite the lack of time they were given to come to terms with their job losses and make plans, Mr Angel said.

"Some may have to relocate with their families for new jobs.

"Fletcher Building has treated their workers badly and New Zealanders expect better from such an iconic Kiwi company."

Mr Pritchard said the work they delivered across the central North Island was of a larger scale, and the new model of delivery would enable the company to better service its clients.

Redundancy payments would vary according to employment status and tenure with the company, he said.