Negotiations finalised with the AWU for a special redundancy package for timber workers

3/8/99
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes has finalised negotiations with the Australian Workers' Union (AWU) on a special redundancy package for employees in the Western Australian native forest timber industry affected by the RFA adjustments.
Mrs Edwardes said the State Government had decided to fast-track negotiations with the AWU because of the uncertainty surrounding the future of Whittakers' operations in Greenbushes.
The Government has decided to top-up redundancy payments provided under agreements and awards. The top-up will take the redundancy payment for each employee to three weeks' pay for each year of service to a maximum of 54 weeks.
The redundancy package includes:

• eligibility for employees who have continuous employment in the industry commencing 18 months before 27 July this year;
• eligibility is extended to employees made redundant up to 30 June 2005;
• recognition of continuity of service within the industry payment of the redundancy. Continuous service is employment not broken for more than 6 months;
• employees of seven years continuous service with an employer will be paid accumulated long service leave.

"I am continuing talks with the AWU in relation to re-training programs and assistance," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The decision on the future of Whittakers' employees rests with the company but at present I understand milling is continuing at Greenbushes.
"The company is responsible for the proper entitlements due to the workforce.
"This Government will not walk away from its commitment to help timber workers displaced by the RFA."
Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400