The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) says a ballot for a new enterprise agreement at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks is on track to take place on Monday and Tuesday next week.
AMWU NSW Secretary, Tim Ayres, said that the in-principle agreement reached between BlueScope and unions at the Fair Work Commission remains unchanged.
“Contrary to today’s reports, the agreement reached between the parties remains unchanged and has the full commitment of all the unions involved,” said Mr Ayres.
“With a vote to take place on Monday and Tuesday next week, it is important that the conversation in the community is based on fact, rather than unattributed rumours,” he said.
“The vote next week will be critical to the future of the steel works and the region at large. BlueScope have made it clear that if this deal does not pass, it almost certainly means the closure of the facility,” he said.
A recent report by BIS Shrapnel showed that the closure of the steel works would see the loss of almost 10,000 jobs and large-scale unemployment in the region. In September, unions and the company reached in-principle agreement that resulted in an announcement last month by the BlueScope board that the facility would remain open.
“Everyone is keen to get the agreement finalised so we can get on with the job of making BlueScope a competitive employer that can sustain jobs for future generations of Illawarra workers,” said Mr Ayres.
Media Contact: Joe McKenzie 0407931445