Woolworths New Zealand is exploring moving its customer care operations to Sydney, a proposal that could result in around 130 job losses, the union Workers First said on Tuesday. Staff were told of the plan at a 1 p.m. meeting; the company confirmed it was considering "integration" with its Australian operation and said it was offering redeployment opportunities while seeking feedback by 15 September.

Workers First deputy secretary Rudd Hughes said the proposal prioritised profit over people and would harm service quality. "Someone calling from Paekākāriki to inquire about a product return, for example, may find it much more difficult to deal with an Australian who lacks local knowledge and local experience," he said. Hughes noted many staff in customer care were solo parents who would struggle to find comparable work.

Woolworths New Zealand reported $8.49 billion in sales for the year to June, up from $8.29 billion the previous year, with earnings rising to $163 million from $150 million, RNZ business (NZ) reports.