SADNESS, frustration and anger blended on Friday as milk was processed at Kiewa’s 124 year-old dairy plant for the last time.
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Three-litre bottles for Aldi stores and two-litre Devondale containers were filled yesterday morning with the end run of Kiewa Country brand milk late Thursday.
About 60 workers have lost their milk-related jobs with many leaving the Murray Goulburn factory for the last time just after 1pm Friday.
They received goodie bags with cheese inside after being farewelled by management with a lunch.
Production crew lead man Kevin Witt is among those going, although he has another week of stocktaking before leaving.
“It’s a shame to see it go, it’s a good job I’ll probably never get to work in a place like this again,” Mr Witt said.
“There’s just a great atmosphere and the people you work with are fantastic.”
Picker Karl Elliott, who is one of seven workers moving to the cream cheese line before it ends next year, said emotions among those leaving included disappointment, excitement and anger.
“I think one thing that upsets a lot of individuals is accountability from the company, not once have they said ‘we’ve made mistakes, we’ve made poor decisions’,” Mr Elliott said.
Murray Goulburn acknowledged all Kiewa workers in a statement.
“We thank our employees past and present as well as contractors, our suppliers and the local community, who have all contributed to the development of our operations since MG’s merger with the North Eastern Dairy Company in 1986,” it stated.
“Our employees can be very proud of what they have achieved here and we wish them every success for the future.”
But the firm was attacked by Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews and Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford for failing to be clear.
“I call on Murray Goulburn to be straight about what their intentions are,” Mr Andrews said.
“I think people are just about sick and tired of this company playing games.”
Ms Pulford said she was aware of interest from more than one buyer in the Kiewa factory but had been frustrated by a lack of response from Murray Goulburn.
Speaking at the factory, Ms Pulford said the government had met chief executive Ari Mervis six to eight weeks ago.
“We sought some information about the process and the timeline to find future options for the site and that’s not been forthcoming and frankly that’s not good enough,” Ms Pulford said.
Mr Witt was upset the buyer of the Kiewa Country milk brand had not been revealed by the company to workers.
“It’s a sign of disrespect, if they’re here to help the people out that’s the least they could do,” he said.