According to the most recent data, Wilmar mills have barely reached 60% capacity in recent days of crushing, meaning on average Wilmar's eight mills are each sitting idle for nearly ten hours every day, due to a combination low staffing and poor maintenance by inexperienced contractors.
This follows a report that the Plane Creek Mill experienced a lengthy stoppage, due to a snapped screw, which initially snapped in 2022, and hasn't been properly repaired since. This stoppage also means the attached ethanol distillery has also been sitting idle.
AWU Northern District Secretary Jim Wilson said this issue was a direct result of experienced workers leaving the industry for higher wages elsewhere.
"This is the sort of basic maintenance experienced workers don't miss, but inexperienced contractors do."
"This would be funny if it wasn't affecting the livelihood of workers and growers so seriously."
"The real question is, how much longer will Wilmar let their inflated egos get in the way of providing a sustainable offer to their workforce which will keep the sugar industry alive."
