More than 100 good jobs lost as auto-parts plant in Yennora closes

18 March 2010

Sydney's south-west manufacturing sector has taken a big hit as international car component parts manufacturer, Dana, shuts its Yennora plant, resulting in 115 jobs lost.

" The company is taking much of the operation to Thailand where labour costs are approximately 20% of Australian wages. You can't live on that in Australia, " Russ Collison, AWU NSW State Secretary said.

Top quality products but commitment only to profits not workers

"Quality at the Yennora plant was one of the highest in the world amongst the Dana plants, which stretch out across 26 countries employing over 20,000 workers.

" Head office in Ohio closed us down because they had no commitment to their local workers, only a commitment to maximize profits for shareholders.

Decisions made behind closed doors without consultation

" Manufacturing companies, such as Dana and recently Boeing ( which closed their Bankstown site), are making significant decisions behind closed doors without consultation with unions or the government," Mr Collison said.

" This decision was made by American management without any proper consultation. Had we been given a chance to talk I believe the AWU might have been able to work with government to find ways to save the plant, and save the jobs."

The AWU is negotiating with Dana, in conjunction with the NSW and Federal Governments, to ensure every opportunity is available to workers to be retrained and identify future job opportunities.