A mass meeting of devastated Sara Lee workers on the NSW’s central coast called by United Workers Union received updates from the company administrator today after the famous dessert manufacturer went into administration last week.
“Workers are obviously upset as they confront an uncertain future and are hoping the situation can be resolved as soon as possible,” Erryn Cresshull, United Workers Union Food and Beverage Co-ordinator, said today.
“We today received assurances from the administrator that members should be receiving all entitlements, including all wages, annual leave and any outstanding superannuation.
“It’s a shock for workers and their community when good, secure jobs are threatened, and we will be ensuring members are treated fairly in this process.
“After last week’s failure to consult about the problems facing the business, we welcome the commitment of the administrator to provide timely and accurate information to workers.
“The administrator repeated today that they intend to operate the business as a going concern and will be seeking buyers, possibly over an extended period of time.
“However while this is going on members will be under considerable duress – particularly as we approach the Christmas season – and there remains no guarantees of how many jobs can be saved.
“The administrator also fudged on whether they would only consider selling Sara Lee to companies with strong records on looking after workers’ rights and conditions, which are the basis of good secure jobs.
“Members will have a range of arising questions, and we will continue to seek further answers from the administrator.
“We sincerely hope that more than 200 secure jobs and this iconic brand are able to be saved in this process.”
ENDS
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