Unions have reacted angrily to the announcement that Australian paper maker Paperlinx will close its mill at Burnie in the north-west of Tasmania.
Unions have reacted angrily to the announcement that Australian paper maker Paperlinx will close its mill at Burnie in the north-west of Tasmania.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said the move was “a blow for the workers, their families, and the local economy”.
Paperlinx bosses met with workers yesterday to announce the closure, which will leave up to 222 people without work.
AMWU regional print division secretary Donna Sargant said the plant will be shut down in stages commencing in June 2010.
“The closure will have a significant flow-on affect in terms of employment and spending. It will affect transport companies and logistics firms, maintenance contractors and small business owners as well.”
Commenting on this decision, Paperlinx managing director, Tom Park said: “I would like to thank the employees in Tasmania for their patience whilst we have worked through all the options and would like to assure them that we will meet all of our obligations, as we have for all employees of Tas Paper who have lost their jobs as a result of our exit.”
