Workers at Liberty Bell Bay Told to Take Leave Without Pay or Be Fired

The news is by Rani Fletcher.

The news is from Stateline.

The topic is about the mining and metals industry.

Workers were told to take redundancy or leave without pay.

In short, the workers have two options.

At a meeting, workers at Liberty Bell Bay smelter were told there would be no more money to pay them after April 24.

Administrators say 216 employees are owed over $7.4 million, including wages and other pay.

What happens next is not clear.

It is hoped a buyer can be found for the business.

About 175 workers at Liberty Bell Bay have been told they will be laid off unless they take leave without pay.

At a meeting, workers were told there would be no more money to pay them after April 24.

Only a few workers will be kept on site.

The news comes as administrators review expressions of interest from potential bidders for the smelter.

The administrator says 216 employees are owed over $7.4 million.

Private equity firm White Oak appointed administrators to Liberty Bell Bay in late March.

Under a deal, the workforce was guaranteed wages until April 24.

A union representative said he was disappointed in the news.

The union representative said the closure of the smelter would be bad for George Town and Tasmania.

The union representative said workers need to make the right decision for themselves.

There are interested buyers for Liberty Bell Bay.

The interested buyers may not be interested if there is no workforce.

The Liberty Bell Bay facility is Australia's only manganese smelter.

A business leader said there is interest in buying the smelter, but it would be harder without a workforce.

The business leader encouraged the government to help secure the workforce.

The administrators previously said workers would be paid until April 24.

A government minister said the state government cannot pay the workers' wages.

The minister said the state government does not have the capacity to pay the wages.

A politician asked if the government could use unspent funds to protect the workers' jobs.

The minister said the government does not have the capacity to pay the wages.

The minister said the parties responsible for the business should pay the wages.

A federal politician attended the meeting.

The federal government has not ruled out contributing funding to Liberty Bell Bay.

Sanjeev Gupta is the chairman of GFG Alliance, the parent company of Liberty Bell Bay.

The administrators' report showed 216 employees are owed over $7.4 million.

The union representative said there is no commitment to pay the workers.

The workers are disheartened and sad about the news.

The news comes at a difficult time for the workers.

Administrators, employees, and unions will meet tomorrow.

The administrators said 170 to 175 redundancies are necessary.

The employees will be consulted about the redundancies tomorrow.

The employees will be given the option to take leave without pay.

The administrators need to change the workforce structure to continue operating the company.

The administrators will work with potential funders to secure funding.

Many businesses go under, according to an industry peak body.

The industry peak body said the core business at Liberty Bell Bay is viable.

The industry peak body said it would be great if workers could take leave without pay.

The industry peak body said the business is more saleable with a workforce.

The workers who opt for redundancy will be paid their entitlements.

The industry peak body said it is not feasible for the government to pay the workers' wages.

The industry peak body said someone should pay the workers' wages, but it is not practical.

More news from Tasmania is available.