Smart national leadership needed now to save Port Kembla steel furnaces
14 April 2009
Steel plant furnaces across the globe are shutting down and many may well not re-open, after the global economic crisis is over, the Australian steel union warned today.
" If we are to ensure that Australia's steel industry will see light at the end of this dark economic tunnel we need to put into place a survival plan," AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes, said.
National steel communities tour by union leader
The Australian Workers' Union National Secretary is meeting with Port Kembla steelworkers to discuss a proposed union plan to be put to the Federal Government later this week.
The visit to Port Kembla is part of a continuing national tour of steel plants by the AWU leader.
" The union wants to consult with members about what should be in the AWU Steel Plan," Paul Howes said.
A grim message
Last week Paul Howes met with BlueScope workers in Victoria, as part of the national consultation tour.
"Steel unions from across the globe met recently in Sydney to assess the impact of the global crisis on our members. The message was grim," Paul Howes said.
" So far we haven't got to the point of steel plants idled, and massive job retrenchments, which steel unions are reporting across Canda, the USA, and most parts of Europe.
Smart national leadership looks plans for the end of the crisis
" But we also know from reports to the meeting that smart national leaderships are already planning now for the end of the crisis.
" Smart leaders are working to adopt strategies which ensure that their steel furnaces will fire up again once the crisis is over," Paul Howes said.
" That's because steel is the basis for the survival of a healthy manufacturing and auto industry sector.
Keeping a strategic industry from going offshore
" Our union wants to ensure that Australia has a plan to keep this strategic industry alive.
" We believe we need to work with the big steel companies and the Federal Government on a tri-partite plan to survive.
" We're working closely with the Federal Labor members representing steel communities, to make sure we have a Steel Plan which can be a winner for our nation," Paul Howes said.
Working families depend on this industry remaining healthy in the Illawarra region
" I am in the Illawarra to get local input into our proposals for the Federal Government.
" The steel industry is crucial to ensuring a viable economy in the Illawarra. With nearly 5500 workers employed by BlueScope - and several thousand more working families depend on this industry remaining healthy in the region.
Making sure a big booming union voice is heard in Canberra
" Our members are enthused about the union taking a proactive stance to defend their jobs.
" They want the AWU to have a big voice in Canberra on this important topic," Paul Howes said.
" We are thankful for the support we are getting from the two local Federal MPs for this region Jennie George and Sharon Bird - both committed and dedicated voices for the Illawarra in Canberra."
Read earlier AWU statement
Read what the media has reported
All electoral matter is authorised by Paul Howes, National Secretary