About 150 workers at an Auckland printing plant will lose their jobs by the end of the month.
(file photo) Photo: 123RF
E tū negotiator Joe Gallagher said some of Ovato's heatset printing workers have been with the company for decades.
He said the workers were told they were being made redundant this afternoon, and were stunned at the news.
Some might stay on to close the plant but others will finish up sooner.
E tū site delegate Owen Sinclair said the workers were in shock.
"Some have worked here for between 20-30 years. People are now going to have to work through what their entitlements are and when they're going to finish," he said in a statement.
"We'll continue to work with the company to make sure we get that clarity for members."
The company has been affected by global price increases and a major paper supplier shutting up shop in New Zealand, Gallagher said.
The union will help workers get new jobs, he said.