A manufacturing worker’s story We had a talanoa with a husband and wife who are both manufacturing workers based in the food-processing industry. Their jobs within that industry are skilled ones, and they are recognised as ‘qualified’ workers. The husband, who is near retirement, has been working for the same employer – a leading international brand – for most of his working life. In the 1980s, he started on $5 per hour. While his pay has risen over time, he is now earning just over $22 per hour. This hourly rate is slightly above the minimum wage but less than the living wage. When COVID-19 arrived in Aotearoa New Zealand, both the husband and wife were considered essential workers. Their roles in the food-processing industry were important to help sustain the population, and they worked throughout successive lockdowns. Despite this service, the husband has recently been dismayed to receive a new contract from his employer as part of being relocated that described him as an ‘unqualified’ worker. He told us that the reason for this is that his employer had recently provided him with an opportunity to upskill and earn a certificate in his field. Because he was anxious and unsure about using a computer, he turned down this opportunity. This left him feeling ashamed. He does not feel, however, that turning down a training opportunity overrides his decades of experience and service for his employer. He feels that now being described as ‘unqualified’ is like being demoted and that he is being punished for his lack of confidence with computers. To try and alleviate the husband’s disappointment, his son-in-law, who works as a foreman mechanic, offered him a job closer to home. However, as the husband only has a few more years until he retires, he decided the best option was to stay with his current employer. His wife, who has supported him through this situation, also wants him to retire on good terms with the employer. This experience has caused the husband considerable mental anguish. He does not understand why he is being devalued by an employer to whom he has been loyal for so long. He wants to be recognised for the contribution he has made and acknowledged as the qualified worker he is. Voices of Pacific peoples 61