A company review of the mills operations is due to report at the end of this month.
The Divisional executive, which met in Melbourne yesterday, spent some time discussing the future of the pulp and paper industry in Tasmania.
Earlier this year the CFMEU established a $250,000 war chest to fight any closure through a comprehensive community based campaign, if required.
CFMEU Forestry and Furnishing Products Division National Secretary Michael O’Connor said today that whilst the union understood the mills owners had obligations to its shareholders, it also had obligations to its workforce and community.
“Tasmania needs these mills in operation and there is no case for closure, given that the pulp and paper industry in this country can be profitable and globally competitive.”
“Indeed, the strong feeling at our meetings was that there is no imperative for these mills to close.”
“The Union is not going to roll over if the management team starts making decisions that impact on our members, their families and communities.”
“In any event, we would urge the company to defer any decision on the future of the two mills until the outcomes of the new federal government inquiry into the industry are announced.”
“Unilateral decisions out of the internal review process will not be tolerated.”
