Representitives of the Australian Employee Buyout Centre along with a
representative of the Australasian Meat Industry Employee’s Union (AMIEU)
addressed a crowd of about 30 ex-workers from Burrangong Meat Processors on
Wednesday and sketched an outline of requirements for an employee buyout of the
failed company.
The centre’s Anthony Jenson told the ex-workers how his organisation has
always considered it has something to offer.
“We wanted to be involved in this as soon as we heard news of the closure,”
said Mr Jenson.
“When I read the prospectus it was just so obvious that they had just
overstretched themselves and had put too much money into too many things.
“We have asked the receiver if he would be interested in an expression of
interest being submitted by the ex-workers and he has said yes, he would.
“At the moment there are still a number of options that could be pursued
and we have identified five companies that are seriously wanting to buy the
abattoir, and that might be a major obstacle,” he said.
Centre representatives met with the administrator yesterday to discuss the
prospect of employees taking a share in the company.
The centre’s Bob Corben also spoke to the ex-employees and offered the
opinion that the sale process will be as short as possible.
“This thing’s not going to go on for much longer because the banks are
really pushing it,” said Mr Corben.
“I can say that things were really bad for some time.
“We’ll be putting it to the new owners to have you back on a stronger
position, in conjunction with the union and management.
“All five businesses interested in buying Burrangong are already in the
meat business and want to take it over on an ongoing basis,” said Mr
Corben.
When the ex-workers were asked for the first time as a group if they would
like the buyout pursued on their behalf more questions followed, most relating
to their chances or regaining their jobs as they considered the pros and cons of
their situation.
AMIEU organiser, Mark Perkins, told the workers they could not expect
Burrangong to re-open before May or June, even if it did sell quickly to someone
already in the industy.
When asked by Mr Jenson for the second time if they wanted the buyout
pursued the majority agreed.
A ‘communications committee’ was formed at the meeting as a means of
keeping everyone informed of the situation as it develops, Carmel Fitzgerald,
Tom O’Reilly, Dean Friend and Jacinta Hines all signed up to carry out this
task.
Ms Hines also offered the group the use of a training room at the rear of
LETS Employment in which to hold any necessary meetings.
If becoming a little more organised and planning a future course of action
are any indicators, then the meeting could possibly be declared a success.
youngwitness
Source: newsroom - meattradenewsdaily.co.uk
Back to News Headlines