Top 7 Day Print News Click: Redundancy Cut Fail

The biggest story by far in the print industry in the last seven days by number of clicks is the Print21 report on Print Logistics being knocked back by the FWC in its bid to have a redundancy payment cut by 80 per cent.

 Redundancy ruling: FWC

Melbourne-based commercial and large format outfit Print Logistics claimed that the Covid crisis had seen its work dry up, impacting its ability to pay the full redundancy, and requesting a $1400 payment instead of $7000. The case highlighted a tricky issue for printers, faced with the decision to let staff go now, when they may have little cash, or keep them until JobKeeper runs out, which may result in higher payouts, as accruals tot up.

The second biggest story in print this week was the live-streamed state PICAs, which saw the nation's printers gather round their screens on Friday instead of going to the usual glitzy awards event. All PICA awards were given on the night in a flawless presentation, with Digitalpress topping the NSW Gold winners with seven, Taylor'd Press heading Victoria with six, Detpack Cartons taking the crown in SA with three, and a four way ties for top dog in Queensland as Eckersley Print, Colourchiefs, By Ninja and Sunprint all took three.

Coming in at third with the number of views is Ovato chairman Michael Hannan's call on government to recognise the impact of Covid on manufacturing, as it is doing with other sectors such as the arts and sport. Hannan says manufacturing is in danger of being overlooked, with the potential for “absolute carnage” if no action is taken when JobKeeper ends.