Australia's Fairfax Media puts proposed job cuts on hold till outcome of talks with union

Sydney, June 21 (ANI): Australian publisher Fairfax Media's 1900 proposed job cuts are on hold as the firm has decided to discuss the changes with unions.

The company has agreed to consult workers over the planned job cuts and the closures of the Tullamarine and Chullora, New South Wales printing presses.

Leigh Diehm, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union's (AMWU) assistant state secretary, said the firm's move was a win for workers, who had a clause in their contract that required consultation before any job cuts were made.

"The agreement in Fair Work Australia confirms this position. Fairfax now must properly consult with the workers and us before any drastic changes can be implemented," The Herald Sun quoted Diehm, as saying.

"No factory will be closed until all alternatives can be explored and proper consultations have been conducted," he added.

According to the report, Fairfax Media Limited said in a statement that it was ready and willing to talk to relevant unions and employees.

"The Fair Work Australia proceedings today, which were brought by the AMWU, have delayed scheduled discussions which should have occurred earlier this week," the statement read.

"We will deal openly and fairly with all employees concerned and provide as much information as possible as those details become available," it added.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions had also weighed into the Fairfax crisis, saying the company had a 'moral obligation' to discuss the moves with its staff. (ANI)