Bega Group's Betta Milk Factory Closure Sparks Union Efforts to Salvage Jobs in North West Tasmania
Source: The DairyNews
Bega Group, having acquired Betta Milk from TasFoods in December 2023 along with Meander Valley Dairy, is now set to close the Betta Milk dairy processing factory located in Burnie, North West Tasmania.
This decision comes as part of a strategic move to consolidate milk processing operations, with the aging Burnie facility giving way to a shift of operations to the company's other plant in Lenah Valley, outside Hobart. However, this restructuring initiative may lead to potential job losses.
Robert Flanagan, representing the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), expressed concern over the impact of this decision on the dairy processing sector in North Western Tasmania. Flanagan emphasized the union's preference for Bega to invest in updating the infrastructure rather than opting for the closure of the longstanding Betta Milk factory in Burnie.
Flanagan highlighted the historical significance of Betta Milk's presence in Burnie, spanning seven decades and becoming an integral part of the local community. He stated that the workforce at Betta Milk possesses a unique skill set, and in the wake of the closure announcement, the AWU has engaged in discussions with Saputo and Fonterra. Both companies, with facilities in Burnie and nearby Wynyard, respectively, have shown willingness to explore employment opportunities for Betta Milk workers within their operations.
Flanagan emphasized the seamless transition of workers within the dairy sector due to their shared skill set, minimizing the need for additional training. He stressed the importance of preserving regional jobs and expressed gratitude for the support from Saputo and Fonterra in seeking alternative employment options for Betta Milk workers.
Robert Flanagan, representing the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), expressed concern over the impact of this decision on the dairy processing sector in North Western Tasmania. Flanagan emphasized the union's preference for Bega to invest in updating the infrastructure rather than opting for the closure of the longstanding Betta Milk factory in Burnie.
Flanagan highlighted the historical significance of Betta Milk's presence in Burnie, spanning seven decades and becoming an integral part of the local community. He stated that the workforce at Betta Milk possesses a unique skill set, and in the wake of the closure announcement, the AWU has engaged in discussions with Saputo and Fonterra. Both companies, with facilities in Burnie and nearby Wynyard, respectively, have shown willingness to explore employment opportunities for Betta Milk workers within their operations.
Flanagan emphasized the seamless transition of workers within the dairy sector due to their shared skill set, minimizing the need for additional training. He stressed the importance of preserving regional jobs and expressed gratitude for the support from Saputo and Fonterra in seeking alternative employment options for Betta Milk workers.
