MEDIA RELEASE
15 January 2010
UNION URGES INGHAMS TO SUPPORT WORKERS
The National Union of Workers today called on Inghams to look after 600 Victorian
workers left in limbo following a fire that destroyed their $100m factory in Somerville on
Monday.
NUW’s Victorian Secretary Antony Thow said factory workers and their families now
faced an uncertain future.
“Inghams management has obviously got many things to consider at the moment, but
workers should be the top priority,” Mr Thow said.
Mr Thow said the union urged company representatives at a meeting this morning to
keep workers informed about short and long-term plans for the Somerville site.
“Workers and their families are anxious to know if they will retain their jobs in a rebuilt
Somerville facility or be made redundant,” he said.
“The company has agreed to pay workers two weeks salary, but the loss of future
income will be a devastating blow for hundreds of working families.”
“We want to avoid redundancies at all costs, but if NUW members are to be stood down
indefinitely we need to have those discussions with the company.”
Mr Thow said the factory processed about 600,000 chickens a week for customers
including KFC and Woolworths and its closure would be a huge blow to the industry and
the local community.
“We will work with the company to help find new jobs for workers in the industry,” Mr
Thow said.
“With limited employment options in the region, many workers may struggle to find full-
time work in the area.”
"We have spoken to the Victorian Government and involved Centrelink to help workers
understand what they are entitled to in the short-term.
"We will ask the Victorian government about fast-tracking any rebuilding to get NUW
members back into work quickly.”
The NUW leadership will meet Inghams management this morning before a mass meeting of
over 400 of workers at 10.00am at Baxter Park, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Baxter. FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT BRENT HOOLEY 0434 561 033.
NEWS 
