28 Redundancies at F&P Dunedin

Fisher & Paykel has announced 28 redundancies at its Dunedin plant after the downturn in the US economy hit sales of their flagship product the dish-draw.

The redundancies are part of a restructuring to cut production of the dishwashers back and as part of the process the company has called for voluntary redundancies. The company’s final decision will be announced on Monday.

EPMU organiser Mike Kirwood says that while the redundancies are a blow to the workforce Fisher & Paykel’s process is in order. “This has been on the cards for a while and, while redundancies are always stressful, we’re doing our best to make sure people are looked after through the process.”

“One issue is that the company may not accept some of the voluntary redundancies,” says Kirwood, “as often it’s the longer-standing workers who put their hand up and they are often also the most skilled.”

The redundancies follow last year’s announcement that the company’s Auckland operations will be moving offshore.