Govt support for redundant Ford workers

The Federal Government is working closely with Ford Australia, its workers and their unions following the loss of 240 jobs.

“The Government is very concerned at any job losses in manufacturing, said Minister for Innovation and Industry, Senator Kim Carr. “And especially concerned at job losses in Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry.”

“I understand that 240 jobs will be lost, Senator Carr said. Ford, however, will look to redeploy staff wherever possible.”

Senator Carr said recent commercial decisions have meant that Ford needs to “re-balance its operations to meet the demands of the market.”

Ford is, in part, doing this through the voluntary redundancies it is currently offering its workers.

“All affected workers will receive their full entitlements,” Senator Carr said.

“Also, workers will be able to take advantage of the labour adjustment component of the Government’s Automotive Industry Structural Adjustment Program, which can help fast track them back into the workforce and assist with retraining and other support and assistance.

“While the past few months have been very difficult for Ford, there are promising signs for the company over the coming months with some exciting new products coming on stream.”

Ford will soon launch a new Territory model, including for the first time a diesel version.

And later this year the company will launch a new LPG model – the LPI or Liquid Phase Injection Falcon.

“This will be a first for the Australian automotive industry and will provide highly advanced LPG technology, which rivals the performance of petrol engines but using a cheaper and cleaner fuel,” Senator Carr said.