CASUAL workers at the James Boag’s Brewery are set to lose their jobs, with some beer production to be moved to Sydney.
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Global brewing giant Lion, which owns James Boag’s, last night confirmed that the production of nationally branded glass beer packs for the West Australian market would shift to the Tooheys brewery at Lidcombe.
‘‘All other production will remain the same and all James Boag’s beer will continue to be brewed at our James Boag’s Brewery,’’ a Lion spokeswoman told The Examiner.
‘‘We do not expect that this change will have any impact on the existing permanent team members working at the brewery.
‘‘[But] just like any other company, we adjust our casual staff numbers depending on business needs and work flow.’’
Lion Nathan would not confirm how many jobs would be affected.
A government spokesman said the news was disappointing.
‘‘The state government stands ready to assist any affected workers,’’ he said.
Deputy Labor leader and Bass MHA Michelle O’Byrne said the government should sit down with Lion to try to save the jobs.
‘‘This is an extremely worrying time for the workers and their families and the wider economy in northern Tasmania,’’ she said.
‘‘Lion Nathan is a major employer and job losses of this magnitude will have significant repercussions for the region.’’
The Boag’s brewery was established in Launceston in 1881.
In October, Lion unveiled its multimillion-dollar plans for a Boag’s visitor experience centre at the adjacent heritage-listed former Tullochs Auction House building.