AWU welcomes BlueScope win

Date: 11 May 2009

The AWU welcomes the announcement by Prime Minister Rudd, during a visit to the Illawarra, that BlueScope Steel has won a $20 million contract to supply steel for three new Navy destroyers.

“ This is a wonderful decision for the working people who live in the steel capital of Australia,” Paul Howes, AWU National Secretary said.

“ And it also has the effect of ensuring good jobs will be kept in Newcastle.”

Continuing national campaign for AWU New Steel Plan

The AWU leader was in Newcastle today, continuing his national tour campaigning for the AWU New Steel Plan, when news of the Bluescope Steel win came through.

Click here to get more details about the AWU New Steel Plan

“ This is an important first step. But we have a long way to go if we are to protect steelworker jobs facing the tsunami of the global economic crisis. "

Keep skilled workers in stel industry jobs

The AWU’s Port Kembla Secretary, Andy Gillespie, commended the Rudd Government for supporting a procurement policy which ensured Australian Steel was used in the building of the three new Navy destroyers.

“ Let’s hope we now see Canberra widening this procurement policy to make sure that we keep skilled workers gainfully employed in the steel industry,” Andy Gillespie said.

Put a sharper focus on steel being dumped in Aust'n market

Paul Howes today told members of the Hunter community – especially local Labor MPs – that he now wants to put a priority on stopping steel being dumped on the Australian market, at unfair prices.

“ To protect good Australian jobs this is a project long overdue.

“ The AWU in our New Steel Plan is recommending a number of changes to the anti-dumping policy regime, which will sharply speed up action against dumped products in the Australian market, “ Paul Howes, AWU National Secretary, said.

Regional tour of steel centres

.The AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes, has told the Labor politicians that he would welcome their support for the AWU New Steel Plan and said following a big Canberra launch in April he is now continuing on a regional tour of steel centres to meet with workers and explain the union strategy to defend their industry and secure their future.

For further information

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

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