Some of the 112 displaced workers from JBS Australia’s Longford processing facility will be able to go back to work as the pressure of a livestock shortage eases.
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JBS Southern Australian chief executive Sam McConnell announced on Thursday that 60 of the displaced employees will return to work and 40 new employees have been recruited.
The rest of the 112 employees were unable to return to work at the Longford plant as they had found alternative employment.
“It’s been a tough period for livestock not just in Tasmania but across the east coast of mainland Australia,” Mr McConnell said.
“We have cut production to meet supply and maintain jobs. There are other processors who have shut completely. The good news is we are increasing production at JBS Longford and we have employed 100 people.”
The 112 employees were temporarily stood down in August amid the pressure of a national and statewide livestock shortage.
The workers were told at the time it would be at least six weeks before the conditions could be reassessed.
Mr McConnell said after a prolonged period of livestock shortages in Tasmania, cattle and lamb numbers had increased and production could be increased at the Longford facility.
It’s been a tough period for livestock not just in Tasmania but across the east coast of mainland Australia.
- JBS Australia chief executive Sam McConnell
He said the news was good news for the plant and for the local community and economy.
In addition to the 60 displaced employees, the plant has also recently employed 40 new employees from the North-West Coast.
JBS Australia Longford plant manager Vernon Piwari said the factory would be looking to employ a further 30 people in the next few weeks leading up to a busy Christmas period.
“The good news is with increased livestock numbers over the next few weeks we will be looking to recruit another 30 plus people at Longford,” Mr Piwari said.
JBS Longford is Tasmania’s largest meat processing facility. It is a major employer in Tasmania and through its livestock purchasing, wages and local procurement injects more than $350 million directly into the local Longford and Tasmanian economy.
JBS produces the highest quality beef and lamb under a range of premium brands including Great Southern, King Island, Three Islands and Pinnacle, which is sold directly to key domestic and international customers.
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Caitlin Jarvis
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
I have worked in the Tasmanian digital/print media for 11 years, spanning two newsrooms. I have developed a keen interest in agricultural, development and education news, as well as issues-based long-form journalism. Contact me at caitlin.jarvis@examiner.com.au
