A Christchurch Heinz Wattie’s worker says staff were left shocked and upset after being called to an emergency meeting where they were told about plans that could see the Hornby factory close.

The employee, who contacted chrislynchmedia.com and asked to remain anonymous, said workers received a text message asking them to attend an urgent meeting at the plant.

“We got a text early today at 11am saying all staff need to meet for an emergency meeting at 1pm. We got in and got told the news,” the worker said.

“There are a lot of people who are very upset and worried about the whole situation. It’s upsetting to see. I’ve worked there for seven years and my father has been there more than 40 years, and for them to do this feels like a big kick in the guts.”

Read more: Christchurch Wattie’s factory closure proposed, hundreds of jobs at risk nationwide

The worker said the factory had faced ongoing challenges in recent years.

“It’s been a very poor season for about two years now. For years recently there have been rumours of shutdowns and layoffs, and the place is full of mould and mechanical breakdowns,” they said.

More than 350 workers across the country are facing potential job losses after Heinz Wattie’s announced plans to close factories in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and cease packing at its frozen lines in Hastings.

The proposal would see the company stop producing Wattie’s frozen vegetables, Gregg’s coffee, and dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

The products would no longer be sold or transferred to another producer.

E tū delegate Kathy Perrin, who has worked at Heinz Wattie’s for 46 years in different roles, said the impact on workers would be devastating.

“I am gutted for our workmates. Some are retirement age, paying high rents, living pay cheque to pay cheque,” Perrin said.

“The devastating financial and emotional impact on my colleagues cannot be overstated. The average length of service is around 30 years. There is nowhere else to go.

“We’re all disappointed with how Heinz Wattie’s have handled this.”

Perrin said the company had also let down long-serving seasonal workers.

“Seasonal workers who have worked here for over 20 years are being made redundant without financial compensation. They have been let down. The company should be making sure they receive compensation, and that a fair process is followed supporting those who will be impacted by this change.”

E tū Director Finn O’Dwyer-Cunliffe said the announced closures were a massive blow for workers, their whānau, and the wider communities that depend on these jobs.

“These workers have given decades of their lives to this company. For many, this is the only job they’ve known. The impact on them and their families will be severe,” he said.

“It’s not just the factory workers. Around 220 growers in the Canterbury region alone supply the Christchurch site. The ripple effects of these closures will be felt across entire communities.

“This is part of an unfortunately familiar pattern of local manufacturing shutting down across Aotearoa. We’ve seen it with Carter Holt Harvey at Eves Valley, Sealord in Nelson, Kinleith Pulp and Paper, and now Heinz Wattie’s. It’s a trend that is deeply damaging to workers, to communities, and to the country.”

O’Dwyer-Cunliffe said New Zealand should be producing more food locally, not less.

“We should be investing in local manufacturing, keeping people employed, and strengthening our food security. Instead, we’re watching iconic New Zealand brands disappear from our production lines. That’s not good for workers, it’s not good for regional economies, and it’s not good for the country.

“The Government has been asleep at the wheel while local manufacturing collapses around the country. These are market failures that demand a response, and working people deserve better than a Government that shrugs its shoulders while good jobs disappear.”

He said the union would continue to represent workers throughout the consultation process.

“Heinz Wattie’s talks about generous redundancy packages, but seasonal workers who have given years to this company could be made redundant without compensation. That is not acceptable. E tū will be fighting to make sure every affected worker gets a fair deal.”