Workers at iconic Launceston brewery Boags are calling on Tasmanians to fight to save the 145 year old brand.
LION, the multinational owner of Boags announced plans to close the Launceston brewery in November and manufacture the beer on the mainland, probably at its XXXX site in Queensland.
The United Workers Union, which represents the brewery workers, today launched a community petition and has written to the Tasmanian Premier urging him to intervene.
Boags workers and Union officials will gather outside the brewery at 11am this morning to address the media and launch the campaign.
United Workers Union Tasmania co-ordinator Amy Brumby said that “Boags belongs to Tasmania, it’s part of our history. It’s a symbol of Northern Tasmania, an important tourist attraction and a significant boost to our local economy.”
Workers believe another operator should be given the opportunity to buy and operate the brewery and keep it in Tasmania. A total of 42 highly skilled and experienced staff are being laid off in the closure.
“Why close it down when someone else could keep it going?” said Ms Brumby. “Almost 150 years of tradition here in Launceston would be erased because of decisions made in a boardroom overseas.
“This is our history, Tasmania’s heritage. Lion should sell Boags so we can keep an iconic part of Tasmania’s history. This is not just about business, this is about culture.”
The Union urges Tasmanians to go to saveboags.com.au and sign the petition. It’s also asking them to write and call the Tasmanian Premier to intervene and pressure Lion sell the site and brand.
Ms Brumby added: “Nobody is going to drink a Boags made in Queensland – it will kill the brand. We need to save our history, protect Tasmanian jobs, and invest in our future. We saw Lion shut down West End brewing in Adelaide; we can’t let that happen to us”
