Press Release
NUW tackles Motor Traders over 'unfair' redundancies
Friday April 15, 2005
The South Australian Branch of the National Union of Workers has lodged unfair dismissal claims against Motor Traders (SA) on behalf of two members who were made redundant by the company recently.
The workers, both over the age of 45 and with a long history of loyal service with Motor Traders, were two of seven employees made redundant by the company late last month.
Neither was given any notice of their pending redundancy, nor was the NUW consulted during the process.
To make matters worse, one member – who has 11 years service with Motor Traders – has since received a letter from the company claiming he had been overpaid in his redundancy package, and asking for the money back.
NUW South Australian State Secretary Nick Thredgold said it was an appalling act from the company, to first make his member redundant and then ask for some of his pay-out back.
“This is a disgraceful situation, where two of our members have been made redundant with no consultation with the union or workers involved,” Thredgold said.
“Motor Traders are obligated under the Award to consult with the union before any redundancies are announced and to try to lessen the impact of these job losses. At the very least, we believe they should have called for volunteers first.”
“None of this occurred in this instance. Instead our members went to work one morning and were simply given their marching orders.
“And to rub salt into the wounds, they have now written to one of our members saying they have overpaid him and to give the money back.
“Surely it is enough that he lost his job without warning, without now, through no mistake of his own, being asked to return some of his redundancy pay-out?”
Thredgold also questioned the need for redundancies at Motor Traders.
He questioned why, when several casual workers were employed at the site, Motor Traders saw fit to make two permanent employees with 19 years and 11 years service respectively, redundant.
“If there is not enough work at Motor Traders, why do they still need casual employees?” Thredgold said.
“The company told us that they were no longer doing returns in South Australia, but that does not mean there are not other positions within the warehouse.
“Why continue to employee casual labour for these positions, rather than two employees who have been with the company for 30 years between them?
“This is a ridiculous situation and we’re calling on Motor Traders to re-think this decision and show their loyal employees the respect they deserve.”
The unfair dismissal action is expected to be heard on May 9, 2005.
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Last modified 2005-04-15 03:03 PM
