CFMEU Pulp and Paper Branch Federal Secretary Mr. Alex Millar said today the company’s behaviour continued to be disrespectful of its workforce and the local community.
“Our members at the two mills have legitimate concerns about the security of their entitlements and have been left in the dark about what is happening with the two mills.”
“We are meeting with the company on Thursday and if we don’t get some definite answers about entitlements and about transition packages if there are job losses, then we reserve our rights as to what actions we may take.”
“The workers at these two mills will not just roll over and are determined these plants will not become another ACL.”
Earlier this year the CFMEU established a $250,000 war chest to fight for mill workers jobs through a comprehensive community based campaign, if required.
Mr Millar said that the workforce at Wesley Vale and Burnie would hold stop work meetings this Friday to hear a report back and to consider future actions.
“The feeling of our members at the two sites is very strong. To date they feel that they and their communities have been let down by both management and government.”
“There is a reasonable expectation that the workers and communities most affected by the mills future must be brought ‘back in the loop’ this week.”
