Unions to boost manufacturing jobs

Date: 28 October 2009

The Manufacturing Alliance will today meet with business and government leaders to discuss growth and productivity strategies in the manufacturing sector, seeking tripartite solutions to promote innovation and boost jobs on

The Australian Workers' Union (AWU) and the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) represent over 250,000 workers and have members in almost every town in Australia, and have recently toured regionally to meet with workers and hear their concerns.

Manufacturing plays vital role

AWU National Secretary Paul Howes and AMWU National Secretary Dave Oliver said that this was an important chance to take a collective approach to challenges that have seen the loss of 77,000 workers over the last year, and growing concerns about off-shoring and the loss of local procurement opportunities.

"Manufacturing plays a vital role in the Australian economy, and is the lifeblood of many regions and towns. We need to have clear understanding of the challenges we face but also of the opportunities ahead.

Enjoy a decade of high growth

" We need to also focus on the industries of the future, and strategies that will build on our manufacturing base and which exploit our know-how and wealth of innovation," said Mr Howes.

"As the measures outlined in our report suggest, Australia's manufacturing sector could enjoy a decade of strong growth rising from a long term average of 1.5% to 3.25% a year," said Mr Oliver.

AWU National Secretary Paul Howes said that now was the time, in cooperation with industry and government, to put strategies in place to boost manufacturing productivity and growth which will add billions to the national economy and create thousands of additional jobs.

Read earlier statements

• Manufacturing Alliance calls on business, government to help workers boost productivity

What the media says

• Renewables 'could save manufacturing' (AAP)
  

For further information

WWW:	http://www.awu.net.au/

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