Up to 60 kitchen staff working in BlueScope's canteen are set to lose their jobs after their employer, catering company Eurest, lost its contract with the steelworks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The AWU has gone into bat for the workers after they were told last week that Eurest had failed to successfully renegotiate its long-standing contract with BlueScope, forcing them to make staff redundant.
AWU South Coast branch secretary Wayne Phillips said staff had been told they could apply for positions with the new caterers, Spotless Catering, but there was no guarantee of job offers.
"It's just another kick in the guts for these workers," he said.
"They are long-standing employees, some have been there for 35 years; it's a rotten decision by BlueScope," Mr Phillips said.
A Eurest spokesman said the company was "disappointed" in BlueScope's decision, putting the move down to cost.
He said the issue of redundancy was "complex" but the company would continue talks with staff.
Eurest is trying to find employees work at other regional sites but conceded work was "limited".
The company is also facilitating discussions between its employees and Spotless Catering, in the hope the new caterers will offer them work.
The union claims that under the new contract, the canteen's operating hours are set to be severely cut back, leaving night shift and weekend workers with no access to the canteen.
Mr Phillips said workers would be left to buy food from visiting "tucker trucks" or use newly installed vending machines.
"It's totally unacceptable that staff won't have access to fresh food," he said.
"BlueScope workers are up in arms about it; there's been no consultation."
The union is set to meet with members next week before more talks with Eurest and BlueScope.
Workers have been told they will be finishing up on August 18.
BlueScope declined to comment.
