MAY 6, 2021 – The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes news that Liberty steel is on the verge of financing its Australian steel operations.
The AMWU has consulted with manufacturing workers, delegates and management at Whyalla steelworks to protect jobs. News of a financial lifeline for working people at Whyalla steelworks is essential.
Steel is a critical industry in Australia and it’s the hard work and sacrifice of manufacturing workers across the industry that have kept it alive.
The pandemic has shown us the weaknesses in our supply chains and how important making in things in Australia is – for job creation and being able to put food on the table.
The AMWU calls on the Morrison Government to prioritise steel made in Australia and Australian made.
Lines attributable to Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) state secretary Peter Bauer:
“This is a major relief for manufacturing workers at Whyalla steelworks, their families and the wider community. They’ve been living with uncertainty this year unsure if they would be able to continue to put food on the table.
"We’ve consulted with manufacturing workers on site, delegates and local management to fight for secure jobs and to ensure local operations continued.
“These conversations will be ongoing as we fight for manufacturing workers have access to safe, secure jobs.
"It's crucial as we head toward economic recovery from this global pandemic that Australian manufacturing is protected and that local supply chains are central to creating secure jobs in manufacturing."