Pan workers to be made redundant

Date: 01 October 2003

Following the conclusion of the Therapeutic Goods Administration's report in the Pan Pharmaceuticals Soft-Gel operations Pan Liquidator Tony McGrath has confirmed with the AWU that redundancies will begin at Pan this week.

The AWU has won an improved redundancy package for the workers and it expects that up to 85 workers will put off this week. AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten he was disappointed that the workers will be made redundant however he is pleased that the workers will receive an increase package.

"What has been made clear through this process is that the corporation law is has fundamental problems that need to be fixed. The fact that the Pharmacy Guild of Australia representing chemists with debts of only $235,000 can put 128 workers on the dole que is shamefull". Mr. Shorten said.

AWU NSW State Secretary Russ Collison said that many of workers will find it tough to find new employment after Pan.

"At Pan you have 128 decent hardworking Australians, many of whom come from non-English speaking backgrounds, without any special qualifications and that are approaching the end of their working lives. Its going to be hard, especially considering these people are out of work through no fault of their own." Mr. Collison said.

Of Pan's 128 workers over 85 per cent were born overseas. 10 husbands and wives work at Pan and the vast majority of the workforce are the primary income earners for their household. The AWU has secured outplacement training for the workers and will be assisting them in finding new employment.

For further information

Contact:	Paul Howes
Union:	The Australian Workers' Union Greater NSW Branch
Phone:	02 9897 3644
Contact Mobile:	0425 238 901
Fax:	02 9897 1481
Email:	phowes@awu-nsw.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.awu-nsw.asn.au

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]