Urgent info for AWU Alcoa workers

Date: 07 January 2009

AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes, has asked delegates to circulate a letter to all Alcoa AWU members about media reports suggesting jobs will be shed.

Media reports are NOT correct

The letter headed URGENT INFORMATION FOR ALL AWU ALCOA MEMBERS informs members that Paul Howes spoke to Senior Alcoa management this morning and confirmed that media reports today are not correct.

" There are no immediate plans to shed jobs within the Australian operations.

" What Alcoa have announced is a global reduction of some 13,000 positions, but at this stage these reductions will not affect Alcoa's operations in Australia,' the letter informs AWU members. ( Click to read/print PDF document)

AWU protecting members jobs

" We understand that Alcoa will be making some public comments correcting the inaccurate media reports.

" However, it is equally important for all of us to take stock of where things are presently sitting with regard to the global economic crisis.

" The Australian economy is not immune from the effects of recent global economic events. Nor are major employers like Alcoa.

" We have seen this first-hand in recent months with the announcement by Alcoa that it will not proceed with its planned expansion of the Wagerup Refinery in WA. The AWU will work closely with Alcoa to ensure that our members' jobs are protected.

AWU site delegates will be important link

" I understand that incorrect news of this type is unsettling for AWU members and their families. I want to assure each AWU member that the union will undertake all necessary steps to ensure that the jobs and entitlements of our members are protected to the maximum extent possible.

" If there are any further developments with respect to Alcoa's Australian operations, the union will be in touch with all members as soon as possible.

" If you have any queries or concerns with respect to this matter, please speak with your AWU Site delegates or your local Organiser," Paul Howes wrote to members.

For further information

Contact:	Paul Howes, National Secretary
Union:	AWU
WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]