Close×

Meat company Thomas Foods International is the latest company to front the Senate inquiry into the treatment of workers on 457 visas.

The Senate inquiry recently heard that more than half of its abattoir staff are backpackers and 457 visa workers, according to a report in The Weekly Times.

Five labour hire companies - none of which were reportedy able to be reached - were identified as supplying the meat business, and these companies have been underpaying workers, according to the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union.

The Union also claims that local people looking for jobs are being turned away, a claim that has been rejected by the company.

TFI’s chief operating officer David McKay reportedly said the company was forced to turn to international labour.

“Some Australians lack the work ethic and … drugs are affecting the eligibility of their employment,” he said.

Packaging News

Earlier this month PKN published an article that voiced industry concern over the speculation that Qenos might be closing its polymer manufacturing plants in Australia. Qenos has remained silent on the matter. The MD of Qenos customer Impact International, Aleks Lajovic, wants some answers.

Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, is the proud recipient of eight FPA Awards for innovative and sustainable contributions to the industry.

An impressive number of quality entries into the inaugural Hive Awards created a highly competitive line-up for judges to consider. The packaging category was one of the most strongly contested.