Save local jobs!

AWU members alongside South West Trades and Labour Council, Ballarat Trades Hall, and AMWU Victoria rallied this afternoon against Vestas and the choices they are making not to invest in local jobs, instead choosing to use production and manufacturing workers offshore.

The rally was held in Ballarat outside the Goods Shed, where Golden Plains Wind Farm was discussed at an industry briefing. The briefing was aimed at business owners and the opportunity to ‘learn more about the project’.  The AWU is yet again disappointed but not surprised at Vestas deplorable record, of continuously ignoring the local community’ plea to support Australian manufacturing and local employment.

As Victoria moves toward renewable energy, the skills and labour should be local. The community have the ability to create and produce these products, it makes no sense to the AWU why it is being sent offshore.

Quotes attributable to AWU Victorian Branch Secretary Ben Davis

“The refusal of Vestas to source wind towers locally, where possible, demonstrates an epic policy failure from the State Government, West Wind and particularly Vestas themselves. Vestas, who twice have accepted State Government funds must understand the implicit social contract that goes with taxpayers funds. To use local where possible. Vestas needs to do better.”