Downturn in global car industry to blame for glass job losses

The Geelong Advertiser's Julie McNamara quizzed CSR building products chief operating officer John Hodgkinson [Jan. 22] hours after he told 115 automotive glass production workers their jobs would be made redundant in June.

Hodgkinson said although news the Geelong and Laverton glass production facilities was not a great surprise for workers, it was still a tough task to deliver the news.

Q:  What are the prospects of Viridian employees being re-employed in any similar trade?
 
A:  "CSR will be looking to try and place some of those people in its other businesses and will also be working with them on out-placement and trade training for alternate jobs.''

 Q:  What is the package the workers are getting?

 A:  "There's an agreed redundancy announcement which is fair and appropriate. On top of that we will offer out-placement, trade training and financial planning assistance. It's  a very fair approach and effectively they've been given six months notice.''