Safety worry as Nyrstar cuts 12 Hobart smelter jobs
THE workers’ union says 12 contractors at the Nyrstar zinc works in Hobart have been told their jobs were on the line.
Australian Workers’ Union state organiser Kevin Midson said if the company proceeded with the cuts there would be about 72 workers left at the 102-year-old smelter.
“We’re concerned as a union that the company is in the situation it is and we’re worried about our members, their jobs, their families, and the safety of those who are left to undertake the task,” Mr Midson said.
“It is highly risky work. You have employees working in and around acid, you have them working with live cells, so there’s risk of electrocution and burns.
“Our members are already working to the full extent they possibly can, they’re under the pump and they’re under pressure and removing labour from the area will only put further strain and pressure on our members.”
Nyrstar denied concerns about safety and confirmed it was discussing the reduction of 12 contractor positions.
“This is done from pro- ductivity improvements and reorganisation of work and options for redeployment will be provided as we have several vacancies in other areas of the operation,’’ a spokeswoman said.
“The safety of everyone who works on our site, whether they are an employee or a contractor, is always our highest priority and we are confident that we have the right systems and the right people in place to continue operating safely.”
The forecast job losses followed reports Nyrstar would cut 40 full-time positions and 60 contractors from its smelter at Port Pirie in South Australia.
The State Government guaranteed Nyrstar a $29 million loan in 2015 but, because the company did not proceed with associated projects, the agreement expired last year.
State Growth Minister Peter Gutwein said the company had told the Government it had chosen to redirect resources towards improving the profitability and efficiency of the Hobart smelter.
“The Government understands Nyrstar remains committed to Hobart and the redundancy program under way has been planned for some time,” Mr Gutwein said.