Two hundred and twenty workers found themselves out of a job with one week’s notice when Manildra Meat Company announced last Friday they would close the plant as of Friday, February 24.
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For workers entering the job market with a week’s wages in their back pocket, it is a daunting time.
This week two employees, who chose to remain anonymous, spoke to the Cootamundra Herald and are remaining positive about what lies ahead.
The two men, both born and bred in Cootamundra with family in town, share a house and say as of next week they will hit the pavement in search of work.
They are keen to remain living in Cootamundra, however say they are prepared to work in surrounding towns including Harden, Gundagai, Temora or Junee.
Not deterred by what lays ahead they have resumes ready and have already been trawling online job sites for opportunities.
One of the housemates said the decision to close came as a surprise to him.
He said all staff were called into a meeting giving him an idea something was not right, however when he was told the plant would close within a week he was shocked.
He is hopeful they will re-open, however said for him, and most workers, he can not afford to wait and see what happens.
As devastating as the news has been for him and his housemate, he said there are other workers who have not worked anywhere else since leaving school and entire families whose livelihood has been taken away.
“I know of one father, mother, son and daughter who work out there and I feel for them,” he said.
He said Manildra has been proactive in bringing services to the site to assist workers and he has enjoyed his time working for the company, in particular the friends he has made.
“Most of us are in the same boat looking for work; everyone has been trying to have a laugh this week but inside we’re all beating ourselves up wondering what is ahead,” he said.
Having been consistently employed since leaving school, he said it is a shock to be suddenly unemployed.
However he is remaining positive and is armed with varied skills including a small motor mechanic’s certificate and a swag of experience from labouring to farm work as well as a desire to not be out of the workforce long.
