Timber redundancy payments ‘inadequate’

THE Timber, Furnishing and Textiles Union (TFTU) says the NSW Government is short-changing its own people and is not being accountable to workers.

It has condemned the state’s handling of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) decision, saying workers are being offered redundancy support packages five times worse than their Victorian counterparts.

TFTU NSW Secretary Alison Rudman, said the contrast shows just how little value the NSW Government places on regional workers.

“Victoria showed how displaced timber workers should be treated: with dignity and proper support,” she said.

“In NSW, workers are being thrown scraps.

“This is Labor abandoning its own people in regional communities who have stood by the party for generations.”

The union said the NSW Government is also dragging its heels on answers.

“We’ve asked again and again for information about how their scheme for unemployed workers will actually operate.

“Instead, the Government hides behind press releases and spin while workers face unemployment.

“That is not a fair go and it’s not what people voted for when they elected Labor.

“When you kill the timber industry, you kill the towns.

“Schools, health services and small businesses all suffer.

“The so-called replacement jobs in tourism don’t exist.

“That’s the reality this Government is ignoring.”

The TFTU is calling on the government to reverse its decision and commit to a fair deal for timber workers and the communities they sustain.

However, a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) said the NSW Government has planned carefully and is supporting affected workers, businesses and communities every step of the way.

She said a generous and comprehensive worker support package is currently being rolled out, which includes payments and access to free, confidential and 24/7 mental health, financial and legal counselling services for affected employees and their families.

The Government is in ongoing discussions with unions and industry to ensure the impacted mills are supported to adjust long-term, and all affected workers and businesses are fairly compensated.

The spokesperson said that because these discussions are ongoing, the government cannot confirm anything more specific.

The TFTU says workers across the Mid North Coast are already reporting deep anxiety and uncertainty, as many are forced to explain to their families that their jobs may be gone.

By Andrew VIVIAN