Resource Sector Optimistic in the Face of Economic Challenges No.2

Jan. 26, 2009 - PRLog -- Resource companies are working hard to prevent the loss of their skilled workforce as the harsh reality of the global economic downturn hits parts of the Western Australian resources sector.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said resource companies are making it their absolute priority to redeploy employees internally or within the industry.
“Where this is not possible and job losses occur, resource companies are endeavouring to minimise the impact by providing employees with full entitlements and redundancy packages, in many cases above and beyond their legal obligations,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
Additional support being provided by the resource companies includes outplacement services to affected employees to assist them in locating alternative employment, and in some instances support services such as counselling have been made available to them and their families.
CME welcomes the response from the State Government to Wednesday’s announcement regarding the Ravensthorpe Nickel operation. The industry will work closely with Government on initiatives to support those impacted.

Mr Howard-Smith said while the year was shaping up to be challenging, the industry remained confident about the future.

“While some companies are announcing cut backs and delays, others are progressing with expansion projects which offer employment opportunities.

“The industry is working together to redeploy as many people as possible within the sector to retain our skilled workforce in WA,” said Mr Howard-Smith.

“Western Australian mineral and energy producers have consistently been recognised as world leaders in productivity and profitability and the cyclical nature of our industry demonstrates that we will return to a position of strength,” he said.

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