23 March 2009
http://www.metalworker.com.au/

NEW Zealand based MCK Metals Pacific is under investigation, after its New Plymouth factory fired its fulltime local metal workers, while keeping its Filipino welders.

The fired workers have taken their case to the New Zealand Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), and New Zealand immigration authorities.

According to the workers, the aluminium extrusion manufacturer should have sent the Filipinos home, not local workers.

The nine Filipino workers were taken on by the company in October 2007 to undertake specialised aluminium welding and polishing, due to a skills shortage.

According to MCK Metals Pacific, the Filipino workers have played their part in ensuring the security of the jobs of other workers, both at the company and at associated businesses.

The EPMU says it is investigating why migrant workers have been retained over long-term workers. Immigration authorities are also investigating to see if the MCK Metals Pacific breached immigration policy.

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