NSW: Union calls for reassurance from James Hardie

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2008
NSW: Union calls for reassurance from James Hardie

Speculation James Hardie will close its Australian operations has sparked union calls
for reassurance over job security and compensation claims.

It's reported James Hardie will liquidate its Dutch parent company and become an American
company.

The Australian and New Zealand operations .. which employ several hundred workers ..

would be separated from the US company .. and either sold off or incorporated as independent
local companies.

It's not known what effect it would have on Australian asbestos victims and the NSW
government .. which secured a four billion dollar deal in which Hardie will pay compensation
to thousands of people over 40 years.

The ACTU's SHARAN BURROW has told the ABC .. she's concerned about the company's Australian
operations .. and about victims' compensation.

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KEYWORD: HARDIE (SYDNEY)

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