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 Business as usual, says Wideform 

Business as usual, says Wideform

25 Nov, 2009 07:53 AM
The Wideform Group is hopeful issues with Bovis Lend Lease can be resolved as early as today, and declared "business as usual" on a range of other projects.

Wideform's NSW general manager Sash Krstevski said the Unanderra-based construction company was trading as normal and hopeful contracts worth $30 million it had with Bovis Lend Lease may yet be retained.

Mr Krstevski said Wideform had been working with unions to secure entitlements for those employed on the Bovis Lend Lease projects.

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    "Everything is operating as normal ... we have had a lot of support," Mr Krstevski said.

    He said further statements would be made later to clarify the company's position.

    On Friday, Bovis Lend Lease cancelled a formwork contract with Wideform on projects at Sydney Airport, Top Ryde, George St in Sydney and Charlestown near Newcastle, affecting more than 200 workers, many from the Illawarra.

    Bovis Lend Lease agreed to retain the workers if new contractors were engaged and meet employment entitlements for the period they were employed on its projects.

    CFMEU state organiser Mick Lane said Wideform employees would continue to work on a range of company projects - albeit with a degree of nervousness.

    Wideform employs up to 700 workers on a range of projects of different sizes.

    As for whether the company's troubles came as a surprise, Mr Lane said "yes and no".

    "It could take some time for the full picture to emerge, but Wideform are well resourced and we're sure they will be busting their guts to ensure the company as we know it doesn't fold," he said.

    The union's state secretary, Andrew Ferguson, said the CFMEU had good regard for Wideform.

    "What has happened is a tragedy and we hope they can trade their way out of trouble," Mr Ferguson said.

    Illawarra Business Chamber president Les Dion said given that Wideform's problems were not fully known, it was difficult to comment on potential impacts or solutions.

    "They have been great for the community and (I) wish them all the best," Mr Dion said.

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    comments


    Date: Newest first | Oldest first
    CFMEU to the rescue! I wonder Just how many non-unionists will benefit from this union intervention? Just as I observed during my working life, how non-unionists accepted as a matter of course, pay rises and improved conditions won by unions. In those days union membership was greater than it is now. MOST workers of whatever calibre are at a disadvantage when negotiating contracts. Despite the knockers, unions are as important now as ever they were.
    Posted by Fergie, 25/11/2009 5:40:10 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    The union will no doubt screw over the employers once again, who remember, are the ones that provided the jobs in the first place. You will see the usual communist propaganda that only the uneducated will buy.
    Posted by John, 25/11/2009 7:42:34 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    It wil be a shame if Wideform go under, within the past 3-4 years we have seen many large industries fall over in Wollongong, the likes of Herd, Belmorgan come to mind having cash flow issues too. It's hard when the local community contact jobs out to ASX listed companies, especially when the local companies can manage a quality project. Maybe the business chamber needs to place pressure on the State and federal governments and work on strategically revitalising employment opportunities within the region. We have so many white elephants available i.e Airport, business offices locations, commercial property just to name a few.
    Posted by Robbo, 25/11/2009 9:16:23 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    ...more importantly lets hope this vital Wollongong based business and local employer can get through their present problems, we need more like Wideform not less!
    Posted by Shaun Prince, 25/11/2009 9:22:35 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    um, there are probably a few banks and lenders who would step in and resolve the cash flow problems. Isn't that just it, cash flow....have they stopped paying wages? sent workers home? stopped paying bill? how many business do you here right now talking about cashflow problems, from us with under 10 staff to those the size of wideform. I know my bank manager tells me I am not alone with cashflow problems, just get on with it. Just because a major lender want its money quicker, or a better return it doesn't make a difference. I agree with you Fergie, unions do play a role, some better than others!!! unless we see workers picketing the sites for back pays, at home on non paid leave then we should be to quick to judge them.
    Posted by andrewp, 25/11/2009 9:35:15 AM, on Illawarra Mercury
    ok, I am an employee of wideform who happens to work on one of the mentined sites. John u have no idea what u are talking about the union has supported the workers 110% and we wouldn't be still working if it wasn't for their quick thinking and assistance in this matter. Unions are important and i am sure the people who are not in a union will not make that mistake again without the union none of us would know where we would be standing. Wideform is an amazing company which has unfortuantly had some problems but i can say i will stand by that company whole hearted. When wideform comes back which i have all the trust that it will i will return to that company just as loyal as i remain today. Wideform has not walked out on their workers they are doing everything in their power to make sure their workers are taken care of.
    Posted by the green machine, 25/11/2009 8:58:56 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    well said green machine that is why its a top company because of you loyal employees who will stand with them all the way and rise out of the hole just like the rabbit has after he had a fall.
    Posted by ORIM, 26/11/2009 7:36:25 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    I know from personal accounts that Sash and the team at Wideform work very closely with the CFMEU to assist everyone. A WIN WIN !!!!! I have enormous respect for Sash and the Wideform team for looking after their staff.
    Posted by Toddler, 29/11/2009 4:46:51 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    Good on you green machine for sticking up for your company, i also have worked for Wideform for many years and i can say its the best employer ive ever had and wouldnt turn my back on them for one min. They ve suported us all along and it is now time for us to show some pride and support. I have great faith this is not the end for Wideform....Fred Ferreira and his team are true fighters and they willl continue doing the very best they can...Good luck wideform...i have faith in you!!!
    Posted by Sam, 2/12/2009 2:14:29 PM, on Illawarra Mercury
    to john, the group of wideform comapnies workers have been paid all of our entitlments on the 18th of this month beacuse the union has helped us all the way just thought u might like to know that. form ur comment u are a non_believer if the union and obviously ur the guy who gets union rates and rites but won't pay the fees. I may be wrong but from ur comment this is what i came to believe. great pat on the back to the union cfmeu and a great lesson to be learn't to the youngsters coming up in the industry without the union we would have got nothing ty cfmeu from the green machine.
    Posted by the green machine, 18/12/2009 10:04:57 PM, on Illawarra Mercury

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    Wideform chairman Fred Ferreira at the opening of Links Seaside
    Wideform chairman Fred Ferreira at the opening of Links Seaside

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