Today the AWU was contacted by Lactalis Australia to advise that they have announced their plan to close their South Brisbane facility.
While we don't have all the details at this stage, we have been advised that the company plans to close the site on the 10th of July this year and up to 202 direct workers will be affected, along with contractors.
AWU members have been proudly producing dairy products at the South Brisbane site since 1937, including Australia's first square milk bottles and UHT long- life milk, and we are disappointed to hear this facility will be closing and these jobs will be disappearing.
The AWU will be engaging in further discussion with the company about this decision and working closely with our members at the site to ensure they receive the support they need through this difficult and uncertain time.
Our priority will be making sure the employer meets their obligations throughout the process and our affected members receive their full entitlements.
AWU Queensland state secretary Stacey Schinnerl says working with members on site is her top priority.
"We are meeting with our members who are understandably very concerned about their futures, and our top priority is offering support to them and their families," said Ms Schinnerl.
"We are very disappointed at this announcement and will be working closely with management to ensure our members are looked after as much as possible."
