THE Fair Work Commission has ordered the suspension of industrial action at Wilmar sites.
According to a statement issued on Sunday (June 30), the commission ordered three unions to suspend industrial action at Wilmar Sugar and Renewables Queensland factories, for six weeks, after hearing submissions from unions and the company.
“In light of the commission’s decision, Sugar and Renewables is planning to have all of its eight factories crushing cane again this week,” the statement read.
“Just as soon as harvesting resumes in the wake of rain – that drenched all Wilmar’s districts, from Sarina in the south to Ingham in the north – during the past week.”
A company spokesman said, assuming no more rain fell in the regions, Wilmar expected to have cane supply enabling production at all Burdekin mills this week, starting with Kalamia and Inkerman mills on Monday (July 1) followed by Invicta and Pioneer mills by Thursday (July 4).
“Further south, Proserpine Mill is also expected to commence crushing on Tuesday and Plane Creek Mill, at Sarina, is looking promising for Tuesday or Wednesday,” the spokesman said.
“Our Macknade Mill, in the Herbert region to the north, is expected to be in production by Monday, with Victoria Mill following mid-week.”
Fair Work Commission deputy president Dobson had been asked by Sugar and Renewables to issue suspension orders after unions notified intention to mount a series of stoppages over coming weeks, further threatening company attempts to continue with the annual sugar season.
The company gave extensive evidence to the commission on the impact of bans and stoppages, including the effect on regional economies and third parties in the sugar supply chain, particularly cane growers.
The Sugar and Renewables spokesman said the suspension of industrial action relieves the immediate risk to the annual crushing season and provides clear air for negotiations with unions on the enterprise agreement.
“Everyone in the supply chain can now make the necessary preparations to get underway and begin making up for lost time,” the spokesman said.
Further talks between company and union representatives have not yet been agreed.
However, the spokesman said the company remained committed to genuine bargaining in pursuit of a mutually acceptable, and commercially sustainable outcome.
