Century old Waverley lays-off 19 labourers

26 Jun '10

2 min read

Following a fall in retail sales around Australia and rising competition from China, Waverley Woollen Mills, operational for over a century, has laid-off 19 of its full-time staffers from its mill near Launceston. However, another set of 26 full-time labourers will continue to work with the firm.

As per Steve Davies from the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union, labourers were upset with the lay-off news. But the company too reasoned that, since orders were not pouring in for them, they were struggling to even retain those who continued to remain employed.

He further added that, with this step that the company was forced to take; the company will be able to retain those currently employed, for a longer period of time.

Currently, those laid off from Waverley might find it difficult to find new jobs within the textile industry, as the industry by large, is on a long and sharp fall. Many of the textiles producing units are done with their trades overseas, which are mainly done in Chine and India and this according to Davies is foolish as Tasmania grows superior quality wool.

Davies is currently working towards finding new jobs for those laid-off, as many have loans, young children to feed and educate. The state government too has articulated sympathy for them and the Minister for Economic Development, Lara Giddings has assured that, the government will aid in hunting for other mode of job for these labourers.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk - India

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