Harvesting timber on private land, reducing possum protection zones, retooling the timber mill and using mixed species are some of the options the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is considering in a bid to save jobs at a Gippsland timber mill. Source: The Weekly Times
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods is expected to close its Heyfield mill next year, cutting 260 jobs, after VicForests offered a reduced timber supply contract.
The CFMEU will consider information about VicForests’ modelling of the timber supply this week, before meeting senior Government MPs.
The union’s bid to save the jobs comes amid confusion about how many jobs would be maintained at Heyfield if the mill were to operate under VicForests’ offer of 80,000 cubic metres next year, and 60,000 cubic metres for the two subsequent years.
One industry source saidit could be about 120 jobs, but ASH maintained as few as 50-60 jobs would remain — a figure doubted by Eastern Victoria MP Harriet Shing.
“The Government has indicated very clearly that if a buyer is not found, we will buy it and make sure the mill continues to operate at reduced supply volumes and that employees keep working — whether at the mill, which could be the case for the majority of workers, or in related roles in the industry,” Ms Shing said.
ASH is considering opening a new plantation timber mill in Tasmania. The Weekly Times understands ASH will not entertain the sale of the mill unless supported by the CFMEU.
