Sealord's Nelson site. Photo: Sealord
Nelson could suffer more long-term, negative impacts, if Sealord goes through with its latest staff cuts, E tū union says.
Sealord proposes to cut a further 59 jobs and make parts of its Nelson operations seasonal, from May to September, to save costs.
Just three weeks ago, the commercial fishing company said it planned to close its coated fish factory with the loss of 79 jobs.
E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said the decision was another tough blow for the city.
"This is on top of the Carter Holt Harvey decision to close down Eves Valley Sawmill and, you know, this is a city with a heart and with a community, and with a culture that's really being devastated at the moment."
There would be long-term negative impacts on the Nelson community, she said.
"This is a company that's made lots of money and has kind of a social stake in the community, as well as a financial one."
The fishing company has cited escalating operating costs and low prices for frozen fish for the cuts.
Sealord said 81 permanent staff would retain their jobs in Nelson, as well as 400 seasonal positions.
Earlier this month, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said the region was almost "punch drunk on bad news" and it had been the worst four months he could recall in 30 years of public service. Despite that, he was optimistic about the year ahead.
After the closures, Smith said the region was keen to put a case to government to progress a regional deal that would enable it to find those opportunities for the region to recover.
He said work was needed to look after businesses in the region, as well as consider opportunities to find new industries to replace those being lost.
Earlier this month, Nelson Member of Parliament Rachel Boyack said economic failure was hitting the region hard, with potential job losses in the hundreds and families paying the price.
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