Final bell for Bayside

THERE were tears and emotional partings as hundreds of Bayside Aluminium employees said their final goodbye at the ageing smelter that had been their home for the past four decades.

The final switch out at the BHP Billiton plant took place on 25 June after the mining conglomerate announced earlier this year that Bayside’s remaining potlines would shut down, effectively ending aluminium production.

Close to 300 employees opted for voluntary separation and early retirement packages at the end of June, which meant there were no forced retrenchments as initially feared.

Head of External Affairs at BHP Billiton Aluminium SA (ASA), Aroon Patel told the Zululand Observer on Wednesday that 50% of the Bayside-impacted employees had been transferred to the Hillside smelter.

‘Employees impacted from both Bayside and Hillside came from a wide spectrum of employee categories,’ said Patel.

‘This followed a lengthy consultation process with all parties concerned, which ensured that there were no forced retrenchments.

‘Transition plans have been put in place and some employees have offered to transfer skills.

‘This has been done in a spirit of generosity and goodwill by all involved which indicates the good relationships between employer and employees.’

Each department hosted moving farewell functions for departing employees to show appreciation for their commitment and hard work over the years.

Gifts were also handed to staff, who had become an entrenched part of the BHP corporate family for the past 40 years.

‘ASA management and employees have gone through a trying time as expected, but the end result has been received in good spirits.

‘The switch out was admittedly a sombre occasion but we look forward to working together with everyone towards a sustainable operation,’ Patel said.

Cast house

The company further confirmed on Wednesday that the process to identify a suitable buyer for the cast house was underway to ensure its continued viability.

Despite the switch out at Bayside, Patel said the cast house remained operational.

‘This is in line with commitments to stakeholders and to the growing downstream industry.

‘The transfer of liquid metal from Hillside to the cast house started in June.

‘Safety controls have been implemented and are constantly being verified.’