Unions representing hundreds of workers at Liberty Bell Bay have called on the Tasmanian and Federal Governments to move urgently to guarantee workers' wages - warning uncertainty over pay threatens the future of the strategically vital smelter.
Bell Bay Joint Unions - the Australian Workers' Union (AWU), Mining and Energy Union (MEU), Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) and Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) - said workers have been left in limbo after the site entered voluntary administration in March, with no ongoing commitment that wages will be paid.
Last Friday, the site's administrator struck a last-minute deal with creditors to guarantee wages to 24 April. But with administration expected to run for months before any sale, this amounts to little more than a stay of execution.
More than 200 workers at Australia's only manganese smelter now face an unacceptable level of uncertainty despite strong buyer interest and the plant's ongoing viability.
The smelter is the fifth largest of its kind outside China, with its manganese output a vital ingredient to Australian-made steel and other metal products. Its reliance on hydroelectricity also makes it a leading example of green heavy industry – positioning it strongly for the future.
AWU Assistant National Secretary Chris Donovan said workers should not be left in the cold while negotiations over the site's future continue.
"These workers are being asked to show up and hold the line without any guarantee they'll continue to be paid," Mr Donovan said.
"There are 200 jobs at risk, and the whole site is dangerously close to collapse."
The unions say there are currently eight parties interested in acquiring the smelter, demonstrating strong market confidence in the operation. However, that interest will evaporate if the workforce cannot be retained during the sale process.
"Buyers are circling because this is a viable, globally competitive operation," Mr Donovan said.
"But a smelter without workers is just scrap metal and a pile of ore. Securing wages is the most critical step to keeping this operation alive while a sale is finalised."
Liberty Bell Bay plays a critical role in Australia's industrial ecosystem, supplying manganese to the Port Kembla and Whyalla steelworks and supporting hundreds of additional jobs across Northern Tasmania.
Bell Bay Joint Unions is calling on Tasmania and the Federal Government to act swiftly to guarantee wages and stabilise the site during the administration process.
"This is a fixable problem," Mr Donovan said.
"With modest, short-term action, we can keep this plant open, secure a buyer and protect hundreds of jobs and a critical piece of Australia's industrial future."
Workers are being urged to stand together and support the campaign.
"If you work at Liberty Bell Bay, now is the time to stand with your workmates," Mr Donovan said.
"Together we can fight for our jobs, our community and the future of local industry."
About us: Bell Bay Joint Unions is a partnership between the AWU, MEU, AMWU and CEPU.
