News that Sara Lee, based at Lisarow, has gone into voluntary administration has rocked the Central Coast, with around 200 jobs at stake.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan has reached out to the United Workers Union and the company to offer any assistance in keeping the bakehouse on the Central Coast.
“The business, established on the Central Coast at Lisarow in 1971, has been a household staple for many and is best known for their iconic cheesecakes, pies, crumbles and ice-creams,” Mehan said.
“The company still employs about 200 staff at its bakehouse in Lisarow, where desserts are baked fresh every day and the company prides itself on promoting quality, authentic ingredients.
“I have reached out to the union and company to offer any assistance to ensure Sara Lee Bakehouse remains on the Central Coast.
“Sara Lee has been a Central Coast institution providing good local paying jobs since 1971.
“I know all members of our community will be concerned at this news today and encourage you all to pop out to your local supermarket, support Sara Lee and grab a dessert for after dinner tonight.”
United Workers Union National Food and Beverage Director Mel Gatfield said the CEO of Sara Lee, Mark Mackaness, failed to consult with workers and the union ahead of going into voluntary administration.
“It was heartbreaking for United Workers Union members to hear that Sara Lee is in administration,” Gatfield said.
“Sara Lee workers are already financially stressed and are now concerned that they won’t have a job.
“These are workers who live in a relatively small community and have relied on work at Sara Lee for many years.
“Despite the years they have given the company, they were not consulted before (the news broke).
“United Workers Union is disappointed that the company failed to consult with their workers and with the union in line with their legal requirements.
“We have now spoken to the CEO of Sara Lee, Mark Mackaness, and are pleased he has agreed to meet Union delegates on Monday next week (October 23).”
A union delegate said there were many workers who had worked at Sara Lee for most of their working life and didn’t have the skills for other work.
“News of the company going into administration has caused fear and anxiety, particularly because the cost-of-living pressures are so acute,” the delegate said.
“We are really worried about our jobs and our community.
“We have many questions to ask the company when we meet on Monday.
“No matter what, we will support each other through this time.
“Sara Lee has trimmed the workforce back so much to save money but it has not worked.
“Members just want a guarantee they will be paid their entitlements and be trained for other work to secure their future.”
Vaughan Strawbridge, Kathryn Evans and Joseph Hansell of FTI Consulting have been appointed as voluntary administrators and will seek to restructure and sell the business, while continuing operations.
“We are working with Sara Lee’s management team and staff to continue operations while we secure the future of the business,” Strawbridge said.
“We are immediately commencing a process to sell or restructure the business and continue its long history of manufacturing in Australia.”
Strawbridge said they expected there would be a lot of interest in the business and would work to achieve an outcome as soon as possible to provide clarity to staff and customers.
Terry Collins