After announcing 270 staff would be let go permanently from the Elizabeth manufacturing facility, Holden has forced 90 employees into redundancy after the company failed to attract enough volunteers to fill the job-cut quota, according to News AU.
Ten staff, including engineers, supervisors and support, have already been told they won’t be returning to work, while an additional 80 await their fate next Thursday. This follows the announcement of the plant scaling back its operations from 290 cars produced per day, to 240.
Employees who are laid off will receive a $2,000 stipend to help with new job training and to search for a new job.
Holden spokesman Sean Poppitt was unable to confirm numbers, but said in a statement the company was “committed to supporting staff through this transition process”.
“As we go through this difficult process our priority is to make sure our employees are informed first and foremost,” he said. “All our people have access to career counseling, training and job-search assistance, and will continue to have access to this after they leave Holden.”
This news heightens fears of an earlier than expected shut down of Holden manufacturing, which is scheduled to close its doors in late 2017. But Holden officials stand by their word saying the wind down will continue as such.
Comments
That’s a shame, but many Australians, as well as their government, have proven they do not want a domestic auto industry.
Do you know how many of us are pissed off the factory is closing? Have you seen the plummeting sales of GM products here since the closure was announced? The Government are a bunch of wankers but dont lump us in with them please.
To any ex Holden Elizabeth Plant guys reading this……
Thanks for the great cars, the great times and the great memories. I never worked there but know people who did and I say hold your head high as you did a great job and many of us will never forget how great those cars were.
I’ve supported you in my own way ( HT VK VK VN VP VR VS VT VX VZ WM Cruze hatch and E3 ) and I’ve always been proud to drive a Holden.
Best of luck……
Tony,
Well said. I thank their talent over and over every time I get behind the wheel of my G8. Or should I say VE Commodore!
Cheers,
Sean
2,000 AUD = 1,565.80 USD = 1,422.18 EUR
Peanuts.
Always seemed to me to be a short sighted decision by our Government and the factory. The AUD will fall to below 70c US possibly even 60c as the US economy moves forward. Once the US interest rates start to rise, just watch our dollar fall. Imported cars will sky rocket in price and then they’ll think… Maybe we should have an automotive industry in Australia. Too late fella’s.. And..we’ll all get ripped again!!