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The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) will be consulting with Government and the Administrator now that the decision has been made to close the blast furnace at the Whyalla Steelworks. The blast furnace will cease operation until the new electric arc furnace is constructed three or four years from now. |
The significant gap in time between the closure and reopening of the electric arc furnace and steelmaking capability means that workers, their families and the broader community face an uncertain future.
The AMWU will continue to advocate for its members, working to make sure workers get the best possible outcome under these difficult circumstances. Workers need to be at the forefront regarding redundancies and the restructuring process of any new business operations.
The AMWU will advocate for all workers and explore opportunities in the consultation process. This will include opportunities to work in the construction of the electric arc furnace, apprenticeships, training and re-deployment options in other industries.
Quotes attributable to AMWU SA State Secretary Stuart Gordon.
“This is not the outcome anyone was wanting and shows the impact of what bad management can do. The highly skilled workforce has done everything they can do to keep OneSteel alive.”
“Consultation must include workers, their families and the community to make sure we get the best possible outcome for the future of Whyalla.”
“The gap between the closure and reopening of the blast furnace and steelmaking capabilities is huge and will have significant impact to the future of Whyalla if the correct decisions are not made going forward.”
Media contact: Harry White 0421 196 941
AMWU State Secretary 0410 809 160