With the Central West Community Unions Alliance reporting hundreds of contractors had been left with an uncertain employment future, Cadia Valley Operations general manager Tony McPaul said the contract workforce would be reduced in March to reflect a milestone in the construction phase of Cadia East, and the completion of environmental rehabilitation activities on disturbed land.

Further job cuts would come into effect sometime in the next 18 months when Ridgeway Deeps reached the end of its production life, which would also include Newcrest employees.

Mr McPaul said contract labour hire was used to manage fluctuating development, workforce requirements were discussed with the workforce and contracting partners, and changes were made in line with individuals’ employment contracts. 

“While this reduction in total site numbers has been openly discussed since the Cadia East Project commenced in 2010, it is not an easy time for the people involved,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone who has concerns to discuss them directly with their employer or the management of CVO.”

Mr McPaul said employees involved in the reduction would be offered access to an independent careers advisor and a free counselling service.

“CVO’s focus is to ensure our people are looked after while building a sustainable low-cost mining operation,” he said.

“As Cadia East ramps up over time, it will secure the future of CVO in the Orange region for the next 20 to 30 years.”

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au