The book printer is expected to cut 21 jobs from its bindery, 12 from its office and six from its warehouse.

Amicus GPMS industrial officer Peter Harris said he expected the formal consultation period to continue into next month, once volunteers had been sought.

"They're not at all happy about the situation," Harris said. "But perhaps not necessarily surprised."

He said the print manufacturing sector was struggling through tough times and blamed low pricing and work migrating abroad.