23 October 2008
The big Boeing company, completely shutting down its operations in the Hunter at the end of November, has again shown it has little respect for the workforce, the Australian Workers' Union said today.
" This big multinational is refusing to put into place standard agreements for the retrenchment of 200 hard-working Australians in less than six weeks time," Kevin Maher, AWU Newcastle and Northern Secretary said today.
Influential local MPs approached
The AWU will approach local Hunter MPs, Joel Fitzgibbon and Greg Combet, to ask them to talk to the big multinational to re-think the legacy they will leave if they mistreat their workforce as they shutdown this facility.
" We hope that the status of the Minister for Defence, Mr Fitzgibbon, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement , Mr Greg Combet, will make Boeing re-think their stance," Kevin Maher said.
World's largest aerospace company has poor workplace reputation
" The union has put forward a proposal for a retrenchment package which includes re-training and a completion bonus to keep the workforce on site up to closing date."
Kevin Maher said Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company employs more than 150,000 workers across the globe, but has an unfortunate reputation for not treating their workers with dignity and respect.
Bitter Hunter region history
" Remember the AWU has a bitter history with this company after they adopted a strategy to break the union in 2005-2006.
" AWU members were forced into what became the longest strike in Australia. For 265 days our members manned a picket line, 24 hours a day 7 days a week," Kevin Maher said.
Asking Boeing for corporate responsibility
The AWU Newcastle leader said the union's current retrenchment proposals are standard for any decent, responsible employer in the Hunter.
" But Boeing has turned down our several requests to talk about a decent package which will help people to train or re-train for a continuing future either in the aviation industry, or outside the industry.
" And Boeing needs our people to continue working for them to complete existing contracts.
Boeing should look beyond the bottom line
" Like other employers in the area they should consider paying a completion bonus so that while our people are looking for new jobs they will put in the extra effort to work on what's left to do on site.
" Boeing should look beyond the next bottom line, should look to their legacy and over the horizon. They may at some time in the future want to return to our shores.
" Their current strategy will make it harder for Boeing because they leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Australian workers," Kevin Maher said.
All electoral matter is authorised by Paul Howes, National Secretary