The Union demand follows the company announcement that it was
deferring a final decision on the future of the mills.
CFMEU Pulp and Paper Branch Federal Secretary Mr. Alex Miller
said today the company’s behaviour was disrespectful of its workforce
and the local community.
“If the company is deferring a decision on the future of the mills so
that it can have discussions with Government, as has been reported,
then we want to part of those discussions.”
“The workers at these mills through their union should have the right
to be included in any discussions. They do not need to have their
futures and the futures of their families and their communities
determined behind closed doors.”
Mr. Miller pointed out that if the company and Government were
serious about maximising the chances of keeping the mills open, then a
collective effort was needed.
“Our Union has just played a crucial role in keeping a critically
important factory open in Victoria and we know that with the expertise
our members have, they can make a positive contribution to protecting
jobs.”
Mr Miller also slammed the Company for announcing the deferral of a
decision publicly without informing the workforce first.
“The Union is disgusted with the approach of the company - our
members are outraged that they are hearing announcements about their
future on the radio like it was no more important than a weather
update.”
