Maintenance workers in the AMWU are fighting to maintain their employment at a downsized tissue manufacturer in regional South Australia.
In January this year, Kimberly Clark Australia (KCA) announced it would reduce production at its factory in the state’s south-east, causing the loss of 170 jobs.
AMWU Regional Secretary, Peter Bauer, said the union members were now in the process of negotiating a more secure future under a restructured workforce.
"At a time when they're reducing numbers as significantly as they've proposed, we need to ensure the company does not deny opportunity for long term permanent jobs.
"Kimberly Clark is proposing to introduce measures that will take away security of employment by using contract maintenance. We believe they intend to use competing contract firms on a race to the bottom in driving down wages and conditions. We would like to see 17 fitters permanently kept on, but they've proposed only 7."
The AMWU has sought action in FairWork Australia alleging the company has failed to properly consult over the redundancies – contravening their collective agreement.
“The agreement says they need to consult and reach agreement during times of redundancy. If there has been any consultation it’s only because we’ve pressed for it. There has been very little dialogue.”
Mr Bauer said the company had an obligation to adhere to the terms of the agreement and create opportunities for the existing workforce.
“It’s not a region where there are lots of jobs. People are now left to look for work and facing the possibility of moving away.”
“Job security isn’t just important to the workers but to the region as a whole. If we can keep workers settled here it’s to everyone’s benefit. Our focus now is on achieving that.”
Senior delegate Mark Plunkett said workers were disillusioned with Kimberly Clark’s response to the redundancies.
“The members understand jobs will be lost. But the manner in which our concerns have been dismissed has left us feeling really angry and frustrated. The company has bluntly said no to all our proposals.
“Their restructure will decimate the community of Millicent. The majority of our tradespeople will be left without jobs in a region with very limited opportunities for employment.”