Sacked meat workers call for govt inquiry
THE Federal Government has been asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sacking of up to 17 South Grafton abattoir workers.
Last week a number of employees were given notice saying that because of court action taken by former workers, three companies associated with the abattoirs had become insolvent and, accordingly 'your employer cannot continue to incur wage commitments'.
It was expected that the former workers would lose all accrued holiday pay, leave loading, superannuation and other entitlements.
One of the affected workers, Merv McKay, said he had contacted the Federal Office of Workplace Services and would ask it to investigate the companies' actions.
"I want them to take proceedings to help recover unpaid money," he said.
He had also been contacted by producers of Today Tonight and A Current Affair, which were both interested in following the story.
A spokesman for the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Kevin Andrews, said the matter was not in his jurisdiction.
"On the basis of the information you have provided, this is a matter for the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), to you which you would have to direct this inquiry," he said.
ASIC said it could not comment.