STEELWORKER unions say BlueScope Steel’s decision to bring forward its No 5 blast furnace reline at Port Kembla may delay major job losses until midway through 2009.
The reline procedure has been brought forward by around four to six weeks to give its contract workers what the unions have called a “buffer zone.”
The contractors long-term prospects after the reline will depend on how the global economy is faring and whether the demand for steel increases.
On 10 December the company announced the redundancies of seven workers from one of its contractors Transfield Services, which followed the axing of another 200 contract positions.
The company had also announced plans to shut its Port Kembla mill and paint line operations over Christmas, asking 1500 staff to take leave.
The Australian Workers Union Port Kembla branch claims the announcement confirms BlueScope's commitment to steel making and the region.
The company will look to employ contractors for the project, including those from the 200 redundancies with appropriate skill sets. The rest will take annual leave.
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