Workers were blindsided by this morning’s announcement that Origin is seeking to close its Eraring power station at Lake Macquarie up to seven years earlier than previously planned, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said today.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy Acting District President Robin Williams said the union was seeking urgent meetings with Origin to understand the company’s plans and put measures in place to support the workforce of around 500 people, including permanent employees and contractors.
“Hundreds of local workers have been blindsided by Origin’s announcement this morning that the power station could close in 2025, not 2032.
“For the many Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley families that rely on the Eraring power station for their livelihoods, today’s announcement creates uncertainty for the future.
“Origin has told workers that having made today’s announcement they will now engage in consultation. We urge them to engage in genuine two-way consultation with workers about the future and not just present them with decisions.
“The interests of workers, families and communities should be front and centre as the energy generation industry undergoes major transformation.
“In addition to measures to support workers at the company level, we need an industry plan to prevent forced redundancies, create job transfer opportunities for skilled energy workers and investment in the regions that have powered Australia for decades.”