IT was the news the region did not need.
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On the back of job losses from the steelworks in the lead-up to Christmas, the region could do without news of another possible cut to industry in our area for a little while.
Unfortunately it was not to be so.
Significant job losses have been forecast at coalminer South32 with it likely 300 jobs to be lost from the Illawarra division.
Speaking to the Illawarra Mercury’s Ben Langford, CFMEU district vice-president Bob Timbs
“It’s early days,” he said.
“We haven’t sat down with the company yet.”
Ominously the company has indicated the job cuts would be “substantial’’.
“If there are adverse effects with regard to Illawarra coal, then the company has undertaken to start a consultation process with us.”
If anything this region has been steeled, pun intended, for jobs cuts to traditional industries and this is just another body blow for the region to get up from.
No doubt the region will fight back, but the thoughts as always with these cases is with the workers and their families.
More uncertainty lies ahead.
NO EXCUSES, ILLAWARRA
On a brighter note, it is a great weekend to be in the Illawarra.
Without doubt on top of the agenda for many people in the region this weekend will be getting to the WIN Entertainment Centre.
The Illawarra Hawks will be looking for redemption to this week’s home loss to Melbourne by feasting on some Townsville Crocodile.
Not far away some of the region’s most passionate social media performers will be shining the Instagram light on the region.
Destination Wollongong’s Instameet will start at the kiosk at 6 pm and will involve a walk along the spectacular harbour, promoting the #visitwollongong hashtag.
And don’t forget some of the best markets you could possibly imagine.
The outfit behind Wollongong’s Eat Street and Bulli Foragers launches a new undercover dinner market at Bulli Showground on Saturday night.
If you wanted to double up, the markets at Killalea State Park’s The Farm would rate as one of the most picturesque markets in the entire nation.
No excuses people of the Illawarra, get out and enjoy your region.