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E tū says that nearly half of the refinery’s emergency services team and a quarter of its essential maintenance staff would go.
The safety of the remaining workers at the Marsden Point oil refinery and that of the surrounding community could be put at risk if Refining NZ goes ahead with its plan to lay off 100 of the 400 refinery employees, says the E tū union.
The union said that about a quarter of the refinery’s “essential maintenance” equipment and “almost half of its emergency services equipment” could be cut under the company’s proposal to simplify its operations.
It asked Refining NZ to reconsider its restructuring plan, saying it would “increase the risk to workers and the surrounding community alike.”
READ MORE:
* Refining NZ proposes to cut 100 jobs as talks continue on the long-term future of the refinery
* New Zealand refining sends more signals that Marsden Point oil refinery could close
* Refinery closure would cost 1,000 Northland jobs and drive up fuel prices, union says
E tū organizer Annie Tothill said in a statement that so far there was no evidence to show that maintenance work had been cut, and getting rid of workers “would just put more pressure on those who stay.”
“There is a huge risk gap if these already small teams are reduced, as workers can suffer from fatigue due to excessive hours and increased stress levels,” he said.
“The proposal to reduce the emergency services team to a single worker per shift is also deeply concerning, as it means that most of them would work alone, even on a night shift,” he said.
Refining NZ responded in a statement that it was interacting with its staff regarding the proposed workforce changes and was seeking their feedback.
“Refining NZ is committed to operating the refinery safely,” said a spokeswoman.
Tothill said the emergency services team was “a recognized local industrial brigade in the region,” training volunteers and other fire emergency personnel from across the country.
The refinery was classified as “a first-rate high-risk facility,” he said.
Tothill said Stuff she personally would be “reasonably concerned” if she lived near the refinery and believed that Refining NZ should consult with the local community about her proposal.
Refining NZ unveiled a plan to reduce staffing and fuel production at the refinery last week, while continuing to evaluate a longer-term option of shutting down the refinery entirely and switching to importing pre-refined fuels.
The proposals were triggered by a collapse in refining margins and a drop in demand for jet fuel as a result of Covid travel restrictions.
