“While this is a sad story for the workers who lost their jobs from this iconic brand, I am proud that the Gillard Labor Government has been able to support these workers by allowing them to be paid their outstanding entitlements within a month,” Mr Shorten said.
Mr Shorten and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland met with Rosella workers yesterday in Blacktown to announce the fast-tracked assistance under the Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG).
“After receiving clear advice from administrators that affected Rosella companies will go into liquidation, we can now move to ensure workers can access around $1.6 million worth of entitlements owed to them,” Mr Shorten said.
“This is not compensation – this is money which rightfully belongs to these workers.”
"The actions of the Gillard Labor Government mean families affected by Rosella's decision will have money in their bank accounts to buy hot cross buns and chocolate eggs at Easter,” Mr Shorten said.
"Minister Shorten's announcement is welcome news for around 70 workers from the Seven Hills Rosella site who would have otherwise been out of pocket," Ms Rowland said.
“When Rosella workers are buying groceries, paying bills or school fees in coming weeks and months, they can be sure they’ll have money they are rightfully owed in their pockets.”
FEG helps workers recover entitlements including:
- up to three months unpaid wages
- unpaid long service leave
- unpaid annual leave
- up to 5 weeks’ pay in lieu of notice
- redundancy pay (capped at four weeks for each year of service).
While early access to FEG is processed, Rosella employees who are made redundant can access a range of Government support through Job Services Australia providers, Local Employment Coordinators and Career Advisers to help with resume development, job applications and interviews.
The Gillard Government legislated the Fair Entitlements Guarantee in December last year to lock in financial assistance for workers when their employer goes into liquidation and is unable to pay employee entitlements.
“Tony Abbott and the Coalition opposed the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme when it came before the Parliament last December,” Mr Shorten said.
"If it wasn't for the single vote of Michelle Rowland in Parliament these workers would not have received this good news.
Minister Shorten’s Media Contact: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804
