Steel union wants ship of state to help guide industry through choppy waters

17 April 2009

Steel union research suggests that up to 500,000 Australian jobs could be lost if we stand by and allow the iron and steel industry to completely collapse.

Download the 30-page AWU New Steel Plan

" Our steel industry research clearly indicates the potential for what can only be described as a tsunami effect on jobs, directly and in-directly associated with steel, because of the continuing global economic turmoil.

AWU vision is for steel's future in this country

" I want to make it clear that the AWU is passionate about steel and wants a future in this country for this great industry," Paul Howes AWU National Secretary said in Canberra today.

" If steel is to be made anywhere in the world, we want that steel be made in Australia," the AWU National Secretary said as he released the New Steel Plan. 

Union wants steel jobs for highly skilled and qualified workforce

Paul Howes was joined today in Canberra by steelworkers from Port Kembla who are concerned for the future of their industry, which has, to date, delivered a good standard of living for their families.

" The AWU wants to see a local steel industry using our high quality iron ore resources, upholding best practice steelmaking standards and a highly skilled and qualified labour force," Paul Howes said.

Consultation needed between Gvt, steel employers and steel unions to get through this crisis

The AWU Steel Plan - which will be circulated to MPs and Senators - offers to work closely with the Federal Government and the steel industry to get through the current economic climate.

" This initiative has, at its core, our desire to keep steel jobs wherever possible. We think early discussion with all parties, and a consultative process, can help us through this crisis," Paul Howes said.

Steel sector crisis needs a steady hand on the tiller to get us thru choppy waters

Mr Howes said we need to face the reality of the steel sector crisis.

" The impacts of the global crisis has triggered a rapid slowing in forward orders for steel, despite the best efforts of employers, and workers alike in maintaining production and profitability.

"The long-term viability of our steel industry is threatened. Now is the time to guide this industry though the choppy waters caused by the global financial crisis," Paul Howes said.

Button Steel vision can be a model for a 21st Century update

The extensive AWU Steel Plan, released today, is a result of consultation with union members, economists, think-tanks, the industry, community leaders and politicians. The Plan puts forward a 10 point strategy for the government and industry to consider.

" We must develop a 21st Century version of the successful Button Steel Plan.

Union wants to stay and fight - not stand aside

" If Australia fails to back this industry we will see a huge impact on regional Australia, including places like Port Kembla, Whyalla, Newcastle and Westernport," Paul Howes said.

" The implications for our sector are clear. Stay and fight (with the assistance of government policy where possible) or stand aside, and relinquish our position as a significant steel producer and exporter; turning instead to imports to supply the domestic market.

Govt's massive investment packages will all require steel inputs

" This stark choice is not a real choice for Australia. Doing nothing risks the collapse of our domestic steel supply. The result will be import dependence for a strategic industry, and the transfer of value added wealth, as well as jobs, to other producer nations.

" This would occur just as local manufacturing jobs require support, not further strain; and when the government is rolling out massive investment packages into green cars, infrastructure and building stimulus packages which will all require steel inputs," Paul Howes said.

Read earlier AWU statement

• Smart national leadership needed now to save Port Kembla steel furnaces

• Steel Union wants 21st Century Steel Plan to save key Australian regions

• Steel is green as the wind

Read what the media has reported

• AWU releases New Steel Plan - Metalworker
  

• Union calls for Govt support- Australian Mining
  

• 500,000 jobs under threat says Union but we have a plan- Manufacturers' Monthly
  

• Paul Howes appears on MEET THE PRESS

• Overseas steel 'dumpers' threaten local jobs, industry: union - Melbourne Age

• Australian Workers Union flies steel survival plan - The Australian

• Union reveals blueprint to save 500,000 jobs - Illawarra Mercury

• Steel industry pitches protection plan - Sky News

• BlueScope and AWU unite to save jobs at Port Kembla steelworks- Steel Guru
  

• Steel union warns 500,000 jobs under threat - Illawarra Mercury

• Union urges gov't to buy Australian steel for infrastructure projects - Xinhua China News Agency 

• Union wants government aid to save steel industry - Dow Jones

• MPs back survival proposal for steel - Illawarra Mercury
  

• Steel climate shaky around world - Illawarra Mercury