After much speculation, Coles has today confirmed with the Australian Services Union the parameters of its massive restructure this morning in its Tooronga offices in Melbourne.
ASU Branch Secretary, Ingrid Stitt, says that she is glad that jobs will not be offshored but still maintains that job losses of this magnitude is deeply worrying in an already tight employment market.
“We are in the midst of a jobs crisis in Victoria, and any job losses, particularly in the order of hundreds in one of Australia’s largest companies, is of enormous concern.” – Ms Stitt said.
Coles has confirmed that 378 permanent positions and 60 contract positions will be slashed. Further, around 160 redeployment opportunities have been identified as available in other parts of the company. Coles have advised the ASU that the vast majority of positions impacted are salaried staff and middle management.
“We will keep a close eye as this situation develops further and will ensure that any affected members are not only provided with all of their entitlements, but also a reasonable plan and provisions for transition.
“The Victorian community wants a plan from employers and the Government for attracting investment in Victoria for the service sector jobs of the future. That’s all. The ASU will continue to advocate strongly for that.” – Ms Stitt said.
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