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Union Takes a Stand - Country Misses Out

29 October 2009, 12:58pm
CFMEU FFPD SA District South East Organiser Travis Lawson CFMEU FFPD SA District South East Organiser Travis Lawson

Independent MLC David Windlerlich has accused the State Government of double standards. The timber workers' union has backed him and says help for redundant workers in the South East should be the same as that offered to city people.

The Independent MLC says country workers are missing out once again.

The State Government announced a $5.7million redundancy and re-training package for Bridgestone's Salisbury employees.
However, Mr Winderlich says it did nothing when 90 Nangwarry mill workers were forced out of work earlier this year.


"Nangwarry and the surrounding region deserves assistance, and they didn't get it, I think they are now entitled to point out the double standard and ask for more help," Mr Winderlich said.


The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union agrees.


"It's very, very disappointing to hear announced in the media, that all of the sudden we have millions of dollars put aside for the workers at Bridgestone which happen to be in Labor stronghold seats," CFMEU Forestry Organiser Travis Lawson said.


Mr Winderlich says the Carter Holt Harvey Nangwarry Mill was a much bigger employer per capita than Bridgestone in Adelaide.


"You certainly have been forgotten this time and I don't think you should stand for it, I think your local mayors and your development associations should kick up a bit of a fuss now that they've seen the Bridgestone example," Mr Winderlich said.


With assistance from case manager Lesley Beaumont, most redundant Nangwarry employees have moved on to new positions or further training.


But, Mr Winderlich and the CFMEU say the State Government should have done more to help South East people.


"We did not get a single cent from the State Government to assist with their further training and education and workplace placement," Mr Lawson said.


The CFMEU claims it's disappointed in the State Government's inconsistency in dealing with redundant workers.


"The State Government back when Fletcher Jones unfortunately disappeared from the South East stepped in at that time and offered assistance for the Fletcher Jones workers," Mr Lawson said.

source: http://www.wintv.com.au/national/news/item/17344/
CFMEU FFPD Media
Link to the original article from WIN News
Link to WIN News article on training in South East  more »
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