The Meatworkers Union says the pending closure of a meatworks in Christchurch that employs 250 people does not bode well for the future of other meat plants.
The Alliance Group has started a consultation process with employees and unions on a proposal to close its Sockburn plant at the end of the 2012 processing season.
The Meatworkers Union expects other plants to follow suit as as it is a tough time for the industry and many are under-utilised.
It says Sockburn employees will find it difficult to get new jobs in Canterbury and may be forced to move out of the region.