Source: Workers First Union
Juken NZ has confirmed the Northland Mill will close permanently today – Friday, 7 August – two weeks earlier than the previously planned closure date of 21 August. Workers First Union organiser Marcus Coverdale says the earlier date came as a surprise to workers and delegates.
“Holy heka, it’s a bit of a shock as this wasn’t expected to happen for another couple of weeks,” said Mr Coverdale.
Despite the accelerated timeline, workers will be paid out to the end of the originally planned term. The collective agreement’s terms and conditions will roll over, with workers also receiving a wage increase and back pay reflected in their final pay calculations.
Some Northland Mill workers have taken voluntary redundancy, while others have transferred to shifts at the nearby Triboard Mill, which remains open. No updates have been provided yet on the Triboard Mill’s future and potential buyer.
“Some of the older Triboard workers were happy to take redundancy now and open up opportunities for younger workers from the Northalnd Mill, which they were really grateful for,” said Mr Coverdale.
“Some of these workers have another 20 years of work left in them while others are coming towards retirement.”
Bargaining for a new collective agreement had been underway with Juken NZ before events escalated rapidly this week.
There remains hope that a buyer could still be found for the Northland Mill site or facilities. A new one-year agreement is in place that could be transferred to a new employer, should a buyer come forward.
“The hope is that an investor could still purchase this mill and hire the experienced local workers with an agreement already in place,” said Mr Coverdale.
Juken NZ is planning to hold an employment transition event with local agencies and employers to support affected workers. Workers First Union acknowledges the work local agencies, training providers, and government agencies have done to support workers through the transition.
“The flow-on effects of the mill’s closure will be felt in the Northland community long after the gates close for the last time,” said Mr Coverdale.