Michael O’Connor CFMEU
The timber workers union (CFMEU Manufacturing) is demanding all political parties and independents facing March 19’s South Australian elections commit to support the South Australian forest and forest products industry. Source: Timberbiz
“We need a growing forest and forest products industry, not timber shortages which are harming jobs, our economy, and our communities,” Mr Michael O’Connor, National Secretary CFMEU, Manufacturing, said.
“We need a State Government committed to build upon South Australia’s world class timber resource and industry.
“Workers deserve a State Government committed to addressing problems stymying the industry and release the shackles on it so that it can realise its full potential.”
The union has written to political parties and independents and plan to share responses with timber workers, families, and communities before the election.
The union is seeking policy commitments which will see:
- A tripartite (State government, employer & union) collaborative approach to spending on industry research and development and industry planning.
- Recognition of the significant socioeconomic contribution of the timber industry in all decision making on water allocations and plantation expansion.
- A plan to focus on skills and training, including critical skills needs.
- The building of capacity and opportunity of more value adding to logs in South Australia with no logs exported which are needed by local processors.
- Encouragement of long-term, good quality jobs with a focus on continuous improvement in work health and safety, workplace relations, gender equality, opportunities for workers with disabilities, apprenticeships, and workplace diversity.
“Workers in the forest and forest products industry their families and communities’ votes count,” Mr O’Connor said.
