BlueScope coke workers at a Port Kembla plant are awaiting a decision by Fair Work Australia on claims of unfair treatment of long-time workers.
The Illawarra Mercury reports that almost 20 employees met on Thursday to show anger about what they claim is an attempt by managers Veolia to “casualise the workforce by stealth”
The CFMEU’s Dave Kelly claims that employees, some of whom had been doing their jobs for a long time, were angered by a lack of consultation before putting workers off.
Veolia took over the management of the facility 19 months ago, and the union says workers employed by the day had the understanding they’d be offered regular work.
“These people have gone from a secure position to a really insecure one,” said union organiser Dave Kelly.
“They’ll go in for two or three days, only to be put off when there’s no work.”
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