Proposed integration will lead to offshoring of around 130 New Zealand-based roles, union says
Woolworths New Zealand is proposing the "integration" of its customer care operations in a move that unions say will lead to the offshoring of around 130 local positions to Australia.
Consultation on the proposal started on 1 September, according to Workers First union, which accused the supermarket chain of "corporate greed."
"This is yet another example of New Zealanders losing out to Australia because companies like Woolworths see them as expendable," said Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary, in a statement.
Hughes said many of the Customer Care team members in New Zealand are solo parents who work remotely and will not find redeployment or comparable employment in their regions.
"This proposal will be crushing to hear about today," Hughes added.
Feedback on Woolworths' proposal ends on 15 September. On Tuesday, union organisers met with Woolworths representatives in a 20-minute meeting that Hughes said left them concerned if their feedback would be considered at all.
Woolworths: No decisions yet
Woolworths NZ has confirmed that consultations are in place, but maintained that no final decisions have been made.
"Woolworths New Zealand has announced a proposal to explore the integration of its customer care operations with Woolworths Group's established support capability based in Sydney, Australia," a Woolworths spokesperson told HRD in a statement.
"The proposal is designed to explore the use of Woolworths Group's scale, systems, and expertise to provide customer service for kiwi customers while supporting a simpler, more sustainable New Zealand business."
Woolworths stressed that it does not take the impact of its proposal on its team lightly.
"We understand that this proposal, if implemented, represents a significant change for our team. We are deeply mindful of the personal impact this transition may have," the spokesperson said.
"We are committed to transparency with our team and will provide support with care and respect as we work through consultation. We are also working one on one with each individual team member to get their feedback and are actively working on redeployment opportunities across the business."
The spokesperson added that Woolworths is continuing to invest and build on the 500 new retail roles introduced in F26. It further said there are plans to open four new stores in the coming year, and that 500 new frontline roles are being proposed for F27.
"Our future demands a Woolies that is simpler and more competitive, with increasing investment in value and experiences for kiwi customers," the spokesperson said.
The reports of offshoring at Woolworths come after it recently restructured South Island store butchers, which led to the losses of around 40 jobs, according to Workers First.
It also comes in the wake of New Zealand talent leaving for more opportunities in Australia. A recent poll from the Public Service Association revealed that 49% of employees under 25 are thinking about leaving the country for better pay.
