The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union ("AMWU") has blasted Clive Palmer for treating workers like "play things" as the Queensland Nickel saga took a turn for the worse today.
At approximately 2pm today, workers at Queensland Nickel were told in meetings that they no longer had a job.
Earlier today AMWU members held a mass meeting on site and resolved to demand that past and present workers be afforded their entitlements. Employees have still not received written confirmation that their industrial entitlements will be honoured.
This afternoon's announcement will see over 500 employees at the refinery in the Townsville area unemployed.
AMWU Queensland and Northern Territory State Secretary, Rohan Webb said that working men and women had paid the ultimate price for Mr Palmer's actions.
"In just a few short days Queensland Nickel employees have been put through a whirlwind of uncertainty and hurt"
"On Monday Clive Palmer got the hopes of hundreds of workers up and this afternoon, he delivered the nail in the coffin for their jobs"
"Employees have been treated like play things in a sick Clive Palmer board game"
"Our number one priority now is to ensure that workers have the support they need at this difficult time" said Mr Webb.
Dale Collins, a fitter at Queensland Nickel said that everyone on site had been left wondering what their futures would hold.
"This is a real blow to all the workers and our local community"
"Our only option now is to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild our lives in the wake of all this mess" said Mr Collins.
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