Vic: Preslite workers return, car parts flow

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2000
Vic: Preslite workers return, car parts flow

Workers at the troubled automotive parts maker Preslite have returned to work tonight,
just as stocks of windscreen wiper motors for Australian car makers began dwindling.

Victoria's Industrial Relations Minister MONICA GOULD says the state government brokered
talks between picketing workers and Preslite's voluntary administrator NICK BROOKE.

Holden ran out of critical supplies today and other car manufacturers said their supplies
would run out in days after 120 workers at Preslite were stood down.

Mr BROOKE from PricewaterhouseCoopers took the action after the workers, concerned
over $4 million in entitlements, had put a ban on distribution of the parts from the factory.

Ms GOULD says a $1 million fund, covered by key Preslite customers, to secure workers
superannuation, annual leave and long-service leave were central in convincing the workers
to return to the factory floor.

Meanwhile, Mr BROOKE says Preslite employees will be working overtime tonight and tomorrow
to ensure vehicle manufacturers' supplies of wiper motors are replenished quickly.

He confirms car builders contributed $1 million to a trust fund for Preslite's staff's
worker benefits.

AAP RTV nl/wz/hn

KEYWORD: PRESLITE (MELBOURNE)

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