NSW: Abattoir drivers left in limbo: TWU

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2006
NSW: Abattoir drivers left in limbo: TWU

SYDNEY, Aug 14 AAP - Cowra Abattoir truck drivers are making their deliveries unsure
if they will be paid, as the plant heads towards administration.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has accused the abattoir in central western NSW of
giving the drivers their usual loads while knowing administrators were expected to take
over later today.

The TWU says the drivers were yet to be informed whether the company intended to pay
them for today's work.

"These hard working and loyal truck drivers are now doing their jobs wondering whether
they have a future, or a pay cheque, to take home to their families at the end of this
week," TWU national leader Tony Sheldon said today.

"The abattoir management yesterday allowed the drivers to pick up their loads as normal
and begin their deliveries.

"It is likely they did this with the knowledge they would this morning be locking out
their workers.

"The TWU will not allow the abattoir to let these drivers go to work today and not be paid."

The TWU will request an urgent meeting with any administrator of the abattoir to discuss
the individual concerns of the drivers and how their jobs can be saved.

Mr Sheldon also said it was critical to find out whether the trucks currently on the
road were still insured.

Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union NSW secretary Charlie Donzow said workers
had turned up for a meeting about the plant's future at 12pm (AEST) today but were told
to go home because the administrators were late.

The meeting has been rescheduled to later today, Mr Donzow said.

The abattoir declined to comment on the issue when contacted this morning.

AAP pmu/hn/jt/de

KEYWORD: ABATTOIR TWU

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