The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) supports the South Australian Government’s intervention in securing the long-term future of the Whyalla Steelworks and its workforce.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said the decision to place the steelworks into administration echoes the sentiments largely felt by the workforce.
“Workers had long lost confidence in Sanjeev Gupta and GFG to look after the future of the Whyalla Steelworks, and the security of their jobs and communities.”
“The AMWU welcomes the South Australian Government and the Prime Minister in stepping up to protect our local steel-making capacity and associated mines.”
Mr Murphy said it underscores the importance of the role of government in shaping this outcome in the interests of workers.
“We can’t leave this in the hands of private capital. We need to ensure Australia remains a leader in steel manufacturing, which includes a plan to transition to green steel.”
The AMWU is calling on the state and federal governments to work together to immediately establish an Australian green metals corporation to oversee the successful shift to decarbonise the industry.
Mr Murphy said Australia has the capacity to be a world leader in the manufacturing of green metals, particularly at Whyalla.
“The Whyalla Steelworks remains critical to Australia’s iron and steel industry, our local manufacturing capability, the decarbonisation of our economy, and the ambition of Future Made in Australia.”
“Where Whyalla steel goes will determine whether we will see the full realisation of Future Made in Australia and the reindustrialisation of our regions.”
“This will shape the hopes of blue-collar workers across the country.”
“We welcome both levels of government in working together to signal they have the backs of the workers.”
The AMWU will be meeting with members at the site over the next two days.
“Workers deserve to have input into how we are going to get the steelworks back on its feet. They know what needs to be done and we will make sure their voices are heard,” Mr Murphy said.
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580