Workers at one of Australia’s oldest automotive plants are celebrating an injection of 160 jobs and the permanent return of a shift.

In May 2009, Holden Australia’s Elizabeth factory in South Australia cancelled its afternoon shift and reduced production as domestic and international car sales plummeted. 

Increased demand for the Commodore Series II and Cruze has returned confidence to Holden’s production, resulting in new jobs and the re-introduction of the afternoon shift from November 15. 

It’s light at the end of the tunnel for workers who have lived through difficult times says AMWU SA Secretary John Camillo.
“Instead of mass lay-offs, the workers chose to work reduced hours to allow more people to keep their jobs until the economy picked up again.

“They’ve carried a financial and emotional burden and now they’re being justly rewarded. It’s really pleasing to see.”

During the downtime a number of workers added to their skills through Certificate IV training programs funded by the State and Federal Government.  

“This is an example of Government, Holden and the AMWU working together for the benefit of the workforce,” Mr Camillo said.

“As a result there’s a lot more confidence here.

“Six months ago people didn’t know whether Holden would still be around. Now they know they have a future.”