A mass meeting of devastated Sara Lee workers called by the United Workers Union (UWU) on Tuesday, October 24, received updates from the company administrator after the famous dessert manufacturer went into administration late last week.
More than 200 workers were blindsided with the news the company, which has been based at Lisarow since 1971, had gone into voluntary administration.
“Workers are obviously upset as they confront an uncertain future and are hoping the situation can be resolved as soon as possible,” UWU Union Food and Beverage Co-ordinator Erryn Cresshull said after the meeting.
“We today received assurances from the administrator that members should be receiving all entitlements, including all wages, annual leave and any outstanding superannuation.
“It’s a shock for workers and their community when good, secure jobs are threatened, and we will be ensuring members are treated fairly in this process.
“After last week’s failure to consult about the problems facing the business, we welcome the commitment of the administrator to provide timely and accurate information to workers.
“The administrator repeated today that they intend to operate the business as a going concern and will be seeking buyers, possibly over an extended period of time.”
Cresshull said while the process was ongoing members would be under considerable duress – particularly approaching the Christmas season – and there remained no guarantees of how many jobs could be saved.
“The administrator also fudged on whether they would only consider selling Sara Lee to companies with strong records on looking after workers’ rights and conditions, which are the basis of good secure jobs,” she said.
“Members will have a range of arising questions, and we will continue to seek further answers from the administrator.
“We sincerely hope that more than 200 secure jobs and this iconic brand are able to be saved in this process.”
Source:
United Workers Union