Wewill leave no stone unturned to save our members jobs - Frank Vari
36 workers are employed at Viridian Glass in Laverton and 79 workers employed at Viridian Glass in Geelong.
The Union delegate on site, Alwin Seneviratne said at the time that Toyota still needed glass for the Camry hybrids model.
The Union was concerned that these jobs would be sent offshore. After the closure was announced Alwin Seneviratne said;
“Workers feel ripped off because they didn’t expect CSR to close us down, with Toyota still needing glass from us.”
CFMEU FFPD Assistant National Secretary Leo Skourdoumbis said;
“I don’t believe them. We believe there’s work for the workers here at Laverton to on with.
“They’ve got the Toyota contract and that should be allowed to run its course to keep workers employed.”
Union saves the day
On April 2nd The Australian reported that;
Struggling automotive sector employees have won a reprieve after industrial giant CSR agreed to extend production at two plants, providing a potential employment lifeline to 115 workers.
Union officials have been in talks with the federal and Victorian governments to try to save the jobs by finding a buyer for the automotive glass facilities.
CSR have been in negotiations with potential buyers of the Geelong land.
It is understood that CSR has agreed to extend production at the plant by three to six months.
CSR will continue negotiations with potential buyers but the Union hopes the time can be used to lock down a separate deal with a company that would keep workers on.
Frank Vari, CFMEU FFPD Victorian FFTS Branch Assistant Secretary said;
“We are looking to CSR to be a good corporate citizen and not sell off the land at the expense of workers their families and communities.
“We will leave no stone unturned to save our members jobs.” he said.
