Australian Workers' Union to take a five-point plan for saving jobs in aluminium sector

AWU National Secretary Paul Howes today said the Australian aluminium sector was in crisis as it struggled to deal with the impact of the high exchange rate and low global price for aluminium.

"These two factors have been exacerbated by the failure of State Governments to finalise competitive, secure energy contracts with aluminium companies, and a lack of investment in better plant and equipment by the companies themselves," Mr Howes said.

"Australia is a major global producer of bauxite – the raw material for aluminium – so it is vital that we retain the ability to value-add this product locally.

"A plan is needed to help the industry through this difficult period, and to secure Australian jobs in the aluminium sector for the long-term."

Mr Howes said the AWU would take five key issues to the Prime Minister's Manufacturing Taskforce tomorrow:

Competitive energy supply contracts;
Stronger local content rules for major resource projects;
Co-investment from State and Federal Governments in more efficient plant and equipment;
Accelerated depreciation on capital stock investment for the aluminium sector;
Investment in ways to improve the energy efficiency of plants and process innovations.
"The longer-term projections for the aluminium industry are very positive.

"There are a range of things which can be done to help the industry survive its short term challenges, but we need to take action now," Mr Howes said.