AMIEU Queensland representatives are meeting with State and Federal members of parliament to discuss the alarming amount of stand downs and plant closures affecting meatworkers in the State.
The JBS Townsville meatworks has not re-opened since shutting down prior to Christmas and at this time there is no indication of when the plant will re-open. Similarly stand downs are widespread in the industry with plants operating on as little as two (2) days per week.
In the Townsville region, and nationally, a lot of focus and media attention has been given to the plight of the workers at the failed Queensland Nickle refinery. Unfortunately there are far greater numbers of meatworkers in the region facing an uncertain future at this time.
The Union met with Federal Senator Glenn Lazarus on Monday 15th February and is meeting with Federal and state Labor candidates later in the week – the LNP has failed to respond to our calls.
The Union is raising concerns relating to the impacts on local jobs as a consequence of the Live Animal Export trade and the possible collusion between meat processors to drive market prices for cattle by slowing production.
Senator Lazarus has committed to help tackle the issues raised.
