Aluminium workers debate future

Aluminium workers’ representatives from around Australia will discuss their future under impending changes including the Kyoto Protocol at an industry conference in Queensland this week.

The Australian Workers' Union Aluminium Delegates Conference will take place over the next three days (July 6-8) at Gladstone on Queensland's central coast. About 40 AWU Delegates representing more than 10,000 aluminium industry workers will attend the conference.

AWU National President Bill Ludwig said it was appropriate for the conference to be held in Gladstone, which hosts the world's largest alumina refinery and Australia's largest aluminium smelter. In addition, Comalco is opening a new refinery in the area this year.

"Gladstone is an important hub of the aluminium industry not just in Australia but internationally and there is no better place to debate the industry's future," Mr Ludwig said.

AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten said the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol would pose unique challenges to Australia's aluminium industry. "These talks will highlight the importance of continuing to generate Australian jobs while ensuring that industries are environmentally sustainable."

Other issues to be raised at the conference would include occupational health and safety and the use of non-union individual contracts in the industry.