Jobs losses and shorter weeks announced at textile factories

More redundancies have been announced in the textile industry and the National Distribution Union (NDU) is calling for some textile companies to opt for the Government's nine-day fortnight to save jobs.

Pacific Brands announced yesterday it would end manufacturing at two of its plants, resulting in 38 job losses in Christchurch and 51 in Palmerston North.

Both factories are for sale with the possibility of jobs created if either is bought.

Negotiations at Summit's Oamaru mill yesterday finalised a voluntary redundancy agreement that could see a loss of up to 60 jobs, with the company and unions investigating the possibility of signing up for the Government's nine-day fortnight to prevent another 20 redundancies.

NDU president Robert Reid said it was hoped that the two methods would reduce or eliminate the need for any compulsory redundancies.

Carpet maker Cavalier Bremworth has negotiated a series of four four-day weeks with the NDU to try to reduce stock and inventory levels, starting today.

Workers will use holiday pay as payment for the fifth day.

Mr Reid said the union was hopeful the four-day weeks would reduce inventories to manageable levels and protect jobs.

The introduction of the Government's nine-day fortnight was also a possibility.

- NZPA