Saturday, August 08, 2015

MUA: 100 Workers Sacked by Email Sparks War on the Waterfront

100 workers sacked by Hutchison Ports Australia via email sent at midnight last night.

Quoting from the email:

“…your position will not be retained. There are no redeployment opportunities. The intended last day of your employment will be Friday 14 August 2015. I realise that this is a lot of information to take in. Accordingly you are will (sp) not be required to attend work effective immediately. We will of course pay you your normal salary to your last date of employment."

There are guards on the gates and workers not even allowed to clear their lockers.

Currently a picket of more than 100 workers at Gate B150 Sirius Rd, Port Botany (access via Foreshore Rd).

The MUA utterly rejects the suggestion that the company is reducing its Australian operations due to a lack of competitiveness.

We believe this is a strategy to increase automation as there are no logical reasons why the company would otherwise give away profitable contracts as they have done recently.

The union is seeking a fair and objective process where all labour data and modelling are put on the table to determine the true nature and scope of the problem.

- See more at:

ACTU:

With yesterday’s jobs figures showing that for the first time in twenty years there are more than 800,000 unemployed Australians, Prime Minister Tony Abbott cannot sit back as job losses mount.

Australian Unions call on Mr Abbott to condemn the callous and unjustified midnight sackings of nearly 100 workers by Hutchison Ports Australia.

This is the time for Mr Abbott to come out strongly against this corporate misbehaviour and show the Australian public that he will back workers and their jobs.

Waking up to find your employer has sacked you via email or text in the dead of night is no way to conduct a business and it’s no way to treat a loyal and committed workforce.

Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver:

“Yesterday’s alarming unemployment figures should have Tony Abbott looking for every way he can to support Australian jobs.”

“There are more than 800,000 unemployed Australians looking for work – Mr Abbott cannot sit back as that number keeps climbing.”

“Unions call on Mr Abbott to stand up for Australian workers and call out this disgraceful behaviour by Hutchison Ports.”

“The Abbott Government needs to take action to stimulate the economy and reverse the devastating impact its austerity approach has had on economic growth, confidence and unemployment.”

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