The Guardian 25 July, 2007
Federal Government
must step in on Ford jobs
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has called on the Federal Government to step in to save 600 jobs after Ford Australia announced last week that it would close their Geelong engine plant. Ford announced they will cease production of V6 engines at the plant and import V6 engines from North America after 2010.
AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said that the Federal Government should take responsibility for the 100,000 manufacturing jobs lost in Australia since they were elected.
“Where is the Federal Government’s plan to save these jobs?" asked Mr Oliver.
“This plant closure will devastate the Geelong community. The knock-on effect from 600 jobs going from the engine plant could mean over 3,500 jobs in the vehicle industry and wider community."
He said that for over a decade the Federal Government has had no plan to support Australian manufacturing. They have just watched while 100,000 jobs disappeared offshore.
The union said the Howard Government should be speaking directly with Ford headquarters to negotiate a package to save these jobs.
“In the long term they need to wake up and start supporting Australian manufacturing with things like research and development assistance and reviewing our tariffs and Free Trade Agreements", said Mr Oliver.
He also called on Ford to fight to save production at the Geelong Engine Plant.
“Other vehicle manufacturers have fought for jobs for their workers, and adapted with the times. Ford owes it to their workers and Geelong community to do the same."
Workers from the Geelong plant echoed Mr Oliver’s comments when they spoke to the media following the announcement. They expressed feeling betrayed by the company and shattered at the decision.