BlueScope Steel plans to cut a full-time nursing position at its Springhill site in a decision that will leave the area without dedicated medical care, union officials say.
Springhill workers were given the news at yesterday's combined mass meeting outside the steelworks.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union industrial officer Brad Hattenfels said the medical centre had been staffed by a nurse from 6am to 6pm on weekdays.
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A previous deal with the company meant a contractor was on hand at other times.
Maintenance fitter Gavin Bubb said it was just another blow to workers.
"The fabric of what we had is no longer there; it's the skeleton we're left with." The decision raised an occupational health and safety risk, he said.
A BlueScope spokesman said Springhill medical services would be consistent with the rest of the steelworks.