MILL CHIEFS START BAG SEARCHES FOR CREWS
The Advocate Burnie BY Jim Dunham
15 May, 2010 04:00 AM
FURIOUS paper mill workers entering their final weeks at work are being subjected to bag inspections to stop them stealing Tas Paper property.
Blanket bag searches are being carried out when workers leave for the day, with the company reportedly concerned about losing first-aid kits and cleaning equipment.
CFMEU Pulp and Paper District Federal Secretary Alex Millar said long-serving workers were being threatened with a loss of entitlements if they refused to submit to the searches.
"What you've got here is workers not only losing their jobs but the company also treating them like common criminals.
"It's just a continuation of this company's attitude to workers both at Burnie and Wesley Vale."
Tas Paper has attempted to discipline at least one long-time employee for failing to submit to the searches, Mr Millar said.
"One of our members refused to have his bag searched. He has been there over 30 years and considers it a personal affront."
The dispute over the searches will be taken to a Fair Work Australia hearing on Monday.
Tas Paper boss Jon Ryder said he couldn't make any comment on the issue before the hearing took place.
Mr Millar said the CFMEU was appalled at the company's treatment of its workers.
"Disgusted is the word I'd use to describe this," he said.
"I would hate to think the company is doing this to try and save money on entitlements but I wouldn't put anything past this company.
"These guys have lost their jobs but they're still turning up, still producing for the company - it's a total lack of respect."
It had been reported to him that the company was concerned about losing first-aid kits and "mops and buckets".
Mr Miller said the value of items that could be stolen was very limited.
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