250 Jobs Canned Tin Plate Production Cut At Port Kembla
Illawarra Mercury
Friday June 30, 2006
THE closure of BlueScope Steel's Port Kembla tin mill with the loss of 250 jobs will be an economic disaster for the Illawarra, unions said.
Australia's largest steel maker announced yesterday it would cut up to 600 jobs overall in a huge restructure. Among these are 250 positions at the Port Kembla tin mill, which will close on a date yet to be confirmed.In an announcement that surprised workers and unions, BlueScope managing director Kirby Adams said the cuts were a necessary response to massive increases in the cost of raw materials and reduced demand for Australian tin plate. Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary Paul Bastian labelled the cuts a "disaster for the economy of the Illawarra". The AMWU estimated closure of the mill could lead to the loss of 1000 contracting and local business jobs. Australian Workers Union acting Port Kembla branch secretary Wayne Phillips said it was devastating. Unions will meet company officials today to discuss the job losses. Treasurer Peter Costello has announced an assistance plan to help the sacked workers and their families.? FULL REPORT PAGES 6-7THE COMPANY LINEBlueScope managing director Kirby Adams said the cuts were a necessary response to massive increases in the cost of raw materials and reduced demand for Australian tin plate.THE RELIEF PLANThe package would include a labour market program for the jobless workers, as well as a $5 million fund designed to attract new investment to Port Kembla, according to Treasurer Peter Costello. THE UNCERTAINTYMarried with a young family, Jimmy Dum has a hefty mortgage and bleak future. "I just do not know what is going to happen. If I lose my job, we will lose everything."THE REACTION"Disappointing" - Illawarra MP David Campbell"Very tough for families" - Southern Highlands MP Peta Seaton"Devastating" - AWU official Wayne Phillips? MORE REACTION P6-7
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