The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union says copper manufacturer MM Kembla is ‘‘working well’’ with its employees as it progresses with plans to retrench 70 workers by March next year.
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Workers were told in October that the company, which has operated in the Illawarra for nearly 100 years, would be shutting down its wire and rod division to focus on its tube and fittings business.
AMWU Southern NSW industrial officer Brad Hattenfels said some employees had already taken advantage of the company’s offer of a higher redundancy payout if they left voluntarily.
‘‘The company has done well to work with the employees’ union, holding meetings once a fortnight and there haven’t been too many big issues.’’
Workers facing redundancy had also been able to nominate to stay with the company until after Christmas, he said.
Centrelink staff had been on site regularly since the announcement of job losses, and workers had been offered assistance with job hunting.
Full wire and rod production is expected to cease at the end of March.
