news, local-news,

UPDATE SATURDAY, MAY 6: Ironwood Australia director Chris Swadling has informed the Manning River Times jobs have been saved at the Pampoolah Ironwood Australia site. “We had a win with the government,” Mr Swadling said. “We are back to usual business and all job are re-instated.” PREVIOUSLY: USUALLY a hive of activity, Ironwood Australia’s Pampoolah work site was near deserted on Friday afternoon after up to 30 employees were told they would be losing their jobs. The employees were briefed at 9am on Friday, May 5 and told the Rozelle-based Ironwood Australia showroom, where 80 per cent of business comes from, will stop operation on June 30 – six months earlier than expected. The Rozelle showroom was set to close this December as part of construction of the WestConnex motorway. In a statement to the Manning River Times Ironwood Australia director Chris Swadling said: “This morning Ironwood timber mill at Pampoolah was forced to make the agonising decision to let the majority of it’s mill employees go.” “This loss of employment is a direct result of the compulsory acquisition by the NSW Government of land in Rozelle where Ironwood currently generates the bulk of it’s income,” he continued. “Another business, Swadlings Timber and Hardware also operates on the same area of land and originally, both businesses were given until 15 December 2017 to vacate. “This would have allowed time to execute a 6 month exit plan which would have resulted in nil dismissals of the current workforce. “However, the Roads and Maritime Service have now informed Ironwood that they are to vacate the premises by 30 June 2017 leaving Ironwood in an impossible position compounded by the fact that Ironwood is not receiving any compensation for the forced move. “Ironwood is very mindful of the devastating effect any job losses has on the local community but felt it had very little choice.” Pampoolah mill manager Keiren Weber said Mr Swadling had formulated a plan for the next six months, which would have saved employment across the company. “The rug has been pulled from under our feet for no apparent reason,” Mr Weber said. “It will affect this town. This community relies on us for employment. We employee people from a range of backgrounds, including people with disabilities. We give them the opportunity to progress and build life skills.” Ironwood Australia sub-contractor Nathan Lehane said employees were heart broken when they heard the news. “It’s devastating, for everyone involved, people have lost their jobs for reasons that can’t be justified. A lot of people are set to feel the damage from this,” Mr Lehane said. “We want the December date honoured. The company needs to be allowed to act on its plan.” Employees are now seeking answers to why the date has been brought forward by the RMS. “We want to know why this decision has been made,” Mr Weber said. “The land will be vacant in Rozelle, so why can’t we operate until December?” Ironwood Australia employees will seek support from Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead.

https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/CVaiDYWPQhaSFRmYCkcLw2/5b8c47ea-25fb-458d-b90b-e4e71555b0fb.JPG/r0_266_5232_3222_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg