Jobs gone at JBS Scone as shift changes

The meat processing giant’s Scone facility will move to a single shift from Monday, February 1, going from a total of 566 employees over two shifts, to 408 jobs.  

The sudden announcement has prompted the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU) to question why employees weren’t given more notice.

AMIEU Northern NSW branch secretary Grant Courtney said staff were told about the changes on Monday, January 25. 

Of the 158 employees out of work, 15 of them are local workers and 143 are staff employed through labour hire and 457 skilled visa holders.

JBS Australia director and head of corporate and regulatory affairs John Berry said the company made a commercial decision to consolidate production around a one shift kill and bone operation.

“The decision is based on the availability and continuity of livestock supply and supports the long term sustainability of the business,” Mr Berry said.

“While the decision will require a reduction in headcount, JBS is committed to the long term future of its Scone operations and has a clear plan around growing opportunities for the brands and products produced at the facility.”

Mr Courtney said there was no compensation for most of the staff as they weren’t permanent employees.

“Most of our people work on regular daily hire contracts because of the seasonal fluctuations of the industry, which has allowed employers to operate when the have livestock.

“If they were planning this they should have provided notice earlier.

“We’re concerned about the ongoing livelihoods of permanent residents and we’ve made it clear to the company that permanent residents and any young people going through training should have preference.”

Mr Courtney said he expected other processors to have the same issues this year.

“If the meat processing forecasts are correct, there are going to be thousands of people out of work.”