Union Annoyed as Scores of Workers from Fire-Damaged New World Still Jobless

A major fire that devastated the New World supermarket in June has left over 180 employees in limbo, with only about 100 of them finding new positions in other Foodstuffs stores. The Workers First Union has raised concerns that Foodstuffs has failed to honor its commitment to rehire displaced staff from the fire-destroyed supermarket.

The union highlighted that workers would receive their final paychecks from the Victoria Park New World on Monday, but roughly 40 percent of them would be without any income, leaving many in financial distress. According to union members, only about half of the 80 new positions at New World Point Chevalier had been filled by former Victoria Park employees.

One worker shared that older staff members, as well as those with disabilities and learning difficulties, had faced greater challenges in securing new roles. The union is calling on Foodstuffs North Island to prioritize rehiring all displaced workers, emphasizing the need for a more coordinated effort from the company.

Jas Giri, a Workers First union organizer, expressed frustration with the current situation: We're really concerned that the apparent indifference by Foodstuffs store managers in the region means an estimated 40 percent of Victoria Park workers will be without any income from Monday, when their final paycheques arrive. It's unnecessary, disheartening and confusing behavior from a company that many of these workers have given decades of their lives to and believed they would be looked after by when the worst happened.

Foodstuffs has responded to the allegations of ageism, stating that it rejects such claims. A spokesperson noted that the company employs thousands of people over the age of 50 and even over 80, and emphasized that hiring decisions are based solely on role requirements, shift availability, and candidate suitability.

The company also mentioned that it has hosted recruitment events and is continuing to connect displaced workers with suitable roles. However, the union remains concerned that not enough has been done to ensure all affected employees are rehired or supported during this transition.

As the rebuilding efforts at the fire-damaged supermarket continue, the focus now turns to ensuring that the displaced workers are not left behind, but rather given the support they need to find stable employment elsewhere in the Foodstuffs network.