NINETEEN workers at Launceston's Waverley Woollen Mills have been sacked.
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It's understood that the 19 full- time employees were informed on Wednesday, with the company publicly announcing the reduction in its workforce yesterday.
The company has blamed the global financial crisis and strong Asian competition in the retail sector for the job losses.
Waverley Woollen Mills was founded in 1874 by Peter Bulman, who established the mill with three Scottish partners.
It is owned by Waverley Australia Pty Ltd.
In 2008 the company cut its workforce from 98 to 46, again in response to tough competition from Asian markets, and after losing a major contract with Qantas for its first-class blankets.
Yesterday a spokesman said 26 employees remained with the company in full-time positions and the 19 who had lost their jobs on Wednesday would be offered "casual employment opportunities during peak periods".
"The decision was taken after a difficult 12 months for the industry as a result of competition from China and the global financial crisis, which has severely impacted the national and international retail sector," the spokesman said.
"The employees will be paid their full entitlements and will be offered casual employment opportunities during peak periods.
"The recently opened factory outlet in Launceston, which replaced Waverley's shop at the mill, will not be affected by the decision."
The spokesman said representatives of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia had been on site when the affected employees were told of the decision on Wednesday afternoon.