Up to 600 jobs at risk following Smithfield closure announcement.
The news of Smithfield meatworks' planned closure has sent shockwaves through the Timaru community, affecting hundreds of workers who will now face unemployment. Labour MP Jo Luxton expressed her concerns about the devastating impact on local families and businesses. "Sometimes several members of the same family work in this plant – and this is distressing news for all of them and our community," she said.
This closure marks the latest major employer to shut down in New Zealand, following hundreds of other manufacturing job losses in the North Island. Labour workplace relations spokesperson Camilla Belich attributed rising unemployment to the government's inaction. "We are seeing rising unemployment as the government ignores the plight of workers," she said. The opposition party has criticized the government for laying off public servants, canceling jobs programs and failing to support manufacturing sector workers.
The exact timeline for the closure is yet to be confirmed, but it's expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. Labour is calling on the government to take action to prevent further job losses and support affected communities.