The AWU and AiGroup are calling on the Government to keep the manufacturing sector open

The AWU and AiGroup have joined forces to ensure this vital sector can continue to safely power the Australian economy and supply the needs of households, businesses, community organisations and health providers at this critical time.

Both organisations are working closely with members and employers to make sure new social distancing practices are being followed across businesses including food processing, packaging, metals manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals (including sanitising and cleaning products) and health industry supplies.

Daniel Walton, National Secretary of the AWU, said: “We don’t need to shutdown the entire country during the COVID-19 crisis. That would be catastrophic and cause inordinate damage to Australian economy in the short and long-term.

“It would decimate essential supply chains, leave hundreds of thousands of people jobless and could lead to permanent closures of businesses across the country.

“Closures can take time; they are costly and often hazardous and can seriously injure businesses for the long term. Restarting many manufacturing processes is similarly time-consuming, costly, and dangerous. If they can operate safely they should remain open.”

The AWU and AiGroup point out that many manufacturing businesses can operate safely and adhere to strict social distancing guidelines – including jobs in metal production and fabrication, glass making, cement production, paper production, and building products manufacturing.

Mr Walton added: “Our members are employed across industries that supply our most basic needs. They want to work and support Australians through this geopolitically challenging time. We can rely on them to do so safely, but we need the Government to recognise their contribution and keep them open.

“There are so many people already without jobs across Australia and the last thing we want to do is add to this growing number. These are workers who have given decades of their lives to powering Australia’s economy and they are worried that if they are stood down, they will never be employed again.”

You can read the full statement here.