Is Don is gone: over 600 jobs cut

Following in the wake of Starbucks job losses, meat-processing company Don KRC is set to make 640 staff redundant by January. The smallgoods manufacturer will close two plants in Melbourne and Perth and reopen in Castlemaine, central Victoria, to keep the business viable.

“In the past few months we've investigated 20 different options to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the Don KRC business,” said Mel Sutton, Don KRC chief executive. “In the end it became clear that the only solution was to end manufacturing production here at Altona and at the Spearwood Western Australia site and move it to an expanded site in Castlemaine.”

Victorian Premier John Brumby declared he was confident that the redundant workers would find new roles in strong economic conditions, while the Western Australian workers continue to enjoy a buoyant job market due to the resources boom.

The meatworkers union will meet with staff today to discuss redundancy payout options.