Toowoomba manufacturer hit by COVID-19 fallout
TOOWOOMBA manufacturer RME has been forced to stand down a small number of staff and retrench others in order to deal with the economic fallout of COVID-19.
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TOOWOOMBA manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment has been forced to stand down a small number of staff and retrench others in order to deal with the economic fallout of the spread of COVID-19.
In a statement, RME said it had been closely following and implementing advice from the World Health Organisation and government and medical authorities in the jurisdictions in which it operates in relation to the virus.
"However, as a result of the continued spread of the virus, and the consequential announcements and directions from government, RME is activating the next phase of its contingency plans, including a reduction in employment costs by standing down some staff as required, and including a small number of retrenchments," the company said.
Employees that are "stood down" will be on reduced hours or no pay while their roles are preserved for the future.
Any employee that is being retrenched will receive their full entitlements, in addition to other support to assist their transition.
RME executive chairman and managing director John Russell described the current situation faced by the global community as unprecedented.
"From the beginning, RME's response to the novel coronavirus has been centred on reducing the spread and impact of the virus," Mr Russell said.
"As the virus has continued to spread, we have also acted quickly to implement a range of initiatives to maintain our customers' business continuity, in addition to our employees' jobs, and the value of our company for the future.
"As you would imagine, these are not easy decisions, and we take these decisions with the best interests' of our people and customers in mind.
"Our single focus - across the entire company - must be continuing to deliver exceptional customer outcomes to secure our company's future, while positioning us to grow and thrive when we transition from COVID-19."
Originally published as Toowoomba manufacturer hit by COVID-19 fallout
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