As we creep towards the 2017 production-cease date for Holden, layoffs are to become more common at the South Australian manufacturing facility in Elizabeth. Holden has announced it will lay off thirty contracted workers in response to slower demand at the facility, according to SBS News.
Full-time workers are safe for now, but contracted work is being cut to realign the plants new production output of 290 vehicles per day, down from 310 vehicles.
“This move will better align production with demand and support our plan of continuing to build world-class cars in Adelaide until the end of 2017,” Holden said in a statement on Monday.
Although full-time staff is not affected by this announcement, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union spokesman Scott Batchelor expects a major layoff to occur sometime this year. “I would expect there will be a major re-rate at some point in this year,” he told ABC radio.
As Holden begins the process of transitioning into a national sales brand rather than a manufacturer, the company says it is taking the appropriate steps to support the workers being laid off. Over the next few years, thousands of jobs will be lost to the factory closings. All Holden vehicles are manufactured at the Elizabeth facility, while engines are produced in Port Melbourne, Victoria.
Comments
For all the arguments between the pro and negative towards imported models in these comments sections this is the real tragedy of the situation. I feel terrible for the workers and their families and i wish them all well in finding new careers and a stable wage to maintain their standard of living. At the end of the day the well being of the workers is more important than any car from any factory from any country, best of luck to all the soon to be ex Holden workers.