KIWIskills.co.nz launch to find jobs for redundant

EPMU and NDU joint media release

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What: KIWIskills.co.nz Launch
When: 2pm today, Monday, November 20, 2006
Where: Sleepyhead Manufacturing, Halseell Junction Road, Christchurch
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The www.KIWIskills.co.nz pilot project is being launched in Christchurch
today to find new job opportunities for redundant Feltex workers, says the
unions representing the workers.

The National Distribution Union, Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing
Union and Sleepyhead will launch www.KIWIskills.co.nz to bring together a
strong network to retain and build skills and talent in New Zealand
manufacturing.

National Distribution Union National Secretary Laila Harré said that whilst
the unions will continue to campaign for compensation for Feltex workers,
the majority of Riccarton Feltex workers ended employment last week and
require immediate assistance.

"Kiwiskills aims in a small way to keep Feltex workers in New Zealand,
producing quality products, earning a decent income to support their
families and communities, and helping New Zealand companies earn a decent
income for New Zealand," she said. "Most importantly Kiwiskills acknowledges
the experience and skill of the Feltex workers and their value to New
Zealand."

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union National Secretary Andrew
Little said that underlying Kiwiskills is a belief in New Zealand
manufacturing and its place in developing safe, high wage, high skill and
unionised jobs.

"As we launch Kiwiskills we are commiting to continue the unionisation of
manufacturing that made Feltex jobs of the highest standard, jobs which
Kiwiskills will lead us to," he said. "The Riccarton workers here today have
wages, conditions and jobs to fight for because generations of workers at
their worksite and in their industry have fought for them before."

Around forty workers will remain at the Riccarton carpet plant for the next
month to complete remaining orders.

ENDS

Simon Oosterman (Media Liason) 021 922 551
Laila Harre (NDU National Secretary) 021 839 661
Andrew Little (EPMU National Secretary) 0275 513 476

Paul Watson (Southern Regional Secretary) is the union representative
attending the launch in Christchurch, and is available on 021 618 395