February 28, 2007

Fruehauf workers railroaded by receivers

Today’s news that the receivers for Fruehauf Trailers will be laying workers off without redundancy or union consultation is unacceptable, says the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

The EPMU represents nearly 30 workers at the trailer and coachwork company which was put into sudden receivership last Friday. Workers at the Manawatu-based production plant were told they were losing their jobs at a meeting this morning.

EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little says he is concerned at the disregard the receivers have shown for Fruehauf’s workers.

“In a matter of a few days these workers have gone from having good stable jobs to being told they can apply for temporary contracts to finish up the last orders and that they may not even get the holiday pay they’re owed.

“Basically the receivers have come in and rolled out factory closures and layoffs without even informing the EPMU, let alone consulting with us. It’s a disgraceful way to treat workers.”

None of the workers has a redundancy clause in their collective agreement beyond four weeks’ notice and the receiver is refusing to say whether or not leave entitlements will be paid out.

Little says the EPMU will now be trying to pick up the pieces for the workers.

“We’ll be meeting with our members as soon as possible to work out what action, if any, can be taken”

The EPMU represents Fruehauf workers in Palmerston North and Christchurch.

ENDS

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