Nippon Paper’s Opal Lockout Causing Massive Stand-downs
The brutal lockout of over 300 pulp and paper workers by Nippon Paper’s Opal at Maryvale in the
Latrobe Valley has led to stand-downs and reduction of hours for about 100 workers employed by
Opal contractors.
“Clearly Nippon Paper’s Opal has no regard for either their employees or other businesses and their
employees” said Denise Campbell-Burns, Pulp and Paper Worker District Secretary.
“Like our members – who were given 60mins notice of the lockout – we understand these other
companies were given no warning and were caught unprepared, leaving them and their employees
blindsided by Opal’s directive.”
The Union predicted that further stand-downs may occur at other Opal sites.
This week has seen the locked-out workers receive support from the wider trade union movement
with the ACTU weighing in and the AMWU, Mining and Energy Union and Victorian Trades Hall
Council pledging support.
“Our members are determined and refuse to be stood over by Nippon’s Opal and are heartened by
the messages of support from the local community and across the country” said Anthony Pavey,
Secretary of the Pulp and Paper Maryvale Sub-Branch. “We have taken pay cuts; reset our wages
and been reclassified and still they keep trying to pick our pockets to solve their mismanagement
crisis”.
Yesterday the locked-out workers set up a community presence at the Maryvale Mill and vowed to
stay there until the lockout is removed and they can return to work.
Media Comment: Denise Campbell-Burns 0419 591 181