Union calls on government to act over Paragon Printing disaster

Creditors’ meeting brings no resolution for Paragon Printing staff in Albury-Wodonga.

Over 100 devastated employees attended the meeting today after news that Paragon Printing, along with Moore Office Products entered voluntary administration last week.

According to Leigh Diehm, north-east regional organiser for the Victorian Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, there are a number of issues facing staff, such as wages and entitlements being paid on a week-by-week basis along with a fear that the business may not find a buyer. “The reality is that this absolutely stinks,” he said.

Diehm was angered that owner, Amir Hyster, is overseas and was not present at the meeting. He also noted an absence of “anyone of seniority from Moore Business Systems.”

The iconic forms printer produces critical documents for a number of governments. Now, the AMWU is calling upon both state and federal government to assist in helping Paragon Printing out of trouble. “We are asking them to get involved and see if they can assist,” Diehm said. “Paragon Printing does a lot of work for government.”

Since entering voluntary administration, Paragon Printing has been operating on a skeletal structure. “The unfortunate thing is that only two presses are running at the moment because the administrators [Hall Chadwick] haven’t been willing to buy product, such as print and paper,” said Diehm. “We are urging them to purchase some of that product so that machines can start running again.”

He believes that if Paragon Printing closes down, the ramifications will be severe. “It’s going to have a devastating effect on our members and the area in general,” he said. “Unemployment is already an issue in Albury-Wodonga and something like this is a huge hit.”

Disclaimer: This story refers to Paragon Printing in Albury-Wodonga, not Paragon Printers in the ACT.