Job threat for Foodstuffs staff

The threat of job loss hangs over 100 workers after Foodstuffs Auckland Ltd told them its Whangarei distribution operation is under review.

Foodstuffs (Auckland) Ltd managing director Tony Carter told staff yesterday that projected profits did not justify the cost of upgrading the company's Whangarei facilities.

He said a final decision would be made in mid-November.

Mr Carter said if the decision was made to close the operation, which comprised the Foodstuffs distribution centre and a Gilmours warehouse, it would happen at the end of February.

Support offered to staff would include relocation or compensation, Mr Carter said.

"We remain very committed to our Northland customers. If the Whangarei operations are closed we would provide most of the services to the north through other distribution channels."

The company supplies New World, Pak 'N Save and Four Square supermarkets in the upper North Island.

In August, distribution staff picketed outside Whangarei's New World and Pak 'N Save supermarkets after three years of negotiations over pay broke down.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)