ASSISTANCE FOR KR CASTLEMAINE WORKERS

STATE GOVERNMENT PACKAGE FOR KR CASTLEMAINE WORKERS

The State Government announced today a rescue package to help workers affected by the closure next year of the KR Castlemaine smallgoods processing factory in Toowoomba.

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the Queensland Government’s Immediate Response Group had recommended displaced employees are eligible for individual assistance under the Worker Assistance Program.

“The Worker Assistance Program will guarantee displaced workers up to $1000 worth of assistance to help them retrain for other employment,” Mr Mickel said.

“They will also be assisted to find alternative employment through KR Castlemaine’s outplacement arrangements in association with the Worker Assistance Program.

“Negotiations are still continuing with the company on the exact nature of the assistance to be provided,” Mr Mickel said.

“The funding will help those faced with losing their jobs move quickly into further employment and reduce the chance of falling into long-term unemployment.”

Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said he welcomed the offer of assistance and the formation of a Task Force involving the company, State and Federal agencies and employee representatives.

The KR Castlemaine smallgoods processing factory in Toowoomba has been in operation since 1911 the retrenchments announced by the company on September 14 will affect 350 workers. Retrenchments are expected to begin in January.

The State Government’s Worker Assistance Program is an early intervention labour market program for workers displaced in large-scale or regional retrenchments.

21 September 2006

Media contact: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784.