Minister Pyne and the Turnbull Government have betrayed shipbuilders by not standing by their commitment to transition jobs of South Australian shipbuilders to future projects.
The Minister has reneged by not consulting with workers and their representatives, as the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) has just announced 197 jobs cuts.
The union understands the bulk of these jobs are permanent, full time, highly skilled jobs.
This huge job loss is occurring despite the Government’s commitments that the workforce would be transitioned to future projects, and that any changes would see consultation with the union and workers.
“Minister Pyne looked shipbuilders in the eye and promised them that the work and their jobs were now secure,” said AMWU National Assistant Secretary Glenn Thompson.
“This promise has been broken. He’s tossed workers aside.”
“The Minister publicly announced that shipbuilding’s valley of death was now over,” said AMWU South Australian Assistant Secretary Peter Bauer.
“If the Valley of Death is over, how do they explain today’s announcement?
“The Minister needs to immediately take urgent steps to secure this workforce – or they won’t have the skilled workers required for the future.”
Media Contact:
John Hill 0412 197 079
Peter Bauer 0418 835 093