By PEACE IJIYERA
LOCAL manufacturing company, Safetech is undergoing what it calls an “operational restructure”, resulting in up to 40 employees across the Morwell and Moe sites being made redundant.
While the Moe site remains open, the Morwell site on Swan Road will cease operation. A few workers from the Morwell site will transition to Moe.
Producing heavy duty machinery, Safetech has played a major role in the Latrobe Valley’s manufacturing sector for 40 years.
In a statement, the company revealed the restructure and redundancies were due to a decline in sales and economic downturn.
“Despite the dedication and hard work of our employees, it has become clear that the business can no longer sustain its current level of employment,” the company said.
“As a result, Safetech has made the difficult decision to restructure its operations, which will include a reduction in employee numbers to align the business with current market demand.”
Sacked workers said they were handed a letter making them aware of potential changes on October 13. Workers at the Morwell site were intended to finish up last Friday, however sources allege workers were sent home a day early.
Wanting to remain anonymous, an employee told the Express that the lay offs were sudden. Having been employed at Safetech for a few years, the worker said it was generally an enjoyable work environment, but is feeling “shattered” and “disappointed” about the decision.
With the understanding that nothing could have been done to change the outcome, the worker has been forced to look for employment elsewhere. In a time when regional jobs in industrial settings are getting cut, this is proving exceedingly difficult.
The redundancies are just one of many blows that have come to the Latrobe Valley’s manufacturing industries. More than 80 jobs were recently cut from Opal Australian Paper Maryvale in August due to state government failure to secure timber supply.
Gippsland Trades and Labour Council Secretary, Steve Dodd, said the Safetech redundancies were another “kick in the guts” for regional workers in the manufacturing industry.
“It’s just not good for the region. It’s not good for the community,” he said.
When asked why workers are finding it difficult to secure industry jobs locally, Mr Dodd said there hasn’t been enough industry development in the region.
“I’m struggling to think of any projects other than maybe the Delburn Wind Farm … there’s a lot of talk about offshore wind, but we haven’t seen too many jobs coming out of it,” he said.
“I think what really needs to happen is we really need to be supported, by not only the state government, but also the federal government to develop industry in this region.
“I’d love to see manufacturing places opening up in this region so we can create good, well paid jobs for the community.”
One worker revealed to the Express that he felt particularly sorry for younger workers who are working to build careers in the industry. He suggested Safetech could’ve taken steps to better support workers with job transitions.
Though the Morwell site will be closed, Safetech said its footprint in the Latrobe Valley will still be felt, and hinted at recovering workers if economic conditions improve.
“While this restructuring is difficult for both the business and our people, Safetech remains committed to maintaining a manufacturing presence in the Latrobe Valley. These actions are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business and to position us for future growth,” the company said.
“We remain optimistic that, when economic conditions improve and sales volumes recover, we will be able to rebuild and grow our workforce.
“Safetech acknowledges the impact these decisions will have on affected employees, their families, and the wider community.
“Safetech sincerely thanks its employees for their commitment and contribution over many years and appreciates the ongoing support of its customers, suppliers, and the local community.”
