The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has condemned UGL Kentz Joint Venture’s decision to make 160 people working on the Ichthys Project redundant less than two weeks ahead of Christmas.
This week workers were notified that 160 people would be made redundant following last week’s announcement of another 80 redundancies at the Darwin based gas project.
The move will see workers and their families left with uncertain futures just before Christmas.
AMWU Northern Territory Secretary, Rohan Webb said that the redundancies are an unacceptable attack on workers and their families.
“UGL Kentz is the Grinch of the Northern Territory. While workers should be looking forward to celebrating Christmas with their families, this callous company turns around and tells them that they don’t have jobs just before the festive season”
“Christmas will be anything but merry for theses workers and their families.
“It’s an incredibly “convenient” time for big companies to be axing workers. This move shows that UGL Kentz is more interested in its profits that its people” said Mr Webb.
Local Territory AMWU organiser, Bryan Wilkins said that the mood amongst employees and their families was miserable at a time when families should be celebrating.
“Losing your job before Christmas is devastating. This won’t just affect the workers, it will affect families, the community and local businesses in our area.
“Our union will make sure that every member has access to our free 24 hour counselling service during this difficult time.
“Locals will have to pull together behind these families to pick up the pieces left by heartless big wigs at UGL Kentz” said Mr Wilkins.
Media Contact: Bryan Wilkins 0409 888 906