Whyalla’s future depends on retaining local workers and skills

Today’s expected announcement that up to 600 workers at the Whyalla Steelworks will lose their jobs is deeply concerning for these workers, their families, and the wider Whyalla community.

SA Unions President Jennie-Marie Gorman said that the immediate priority must be on ensuring affected workers receive their full entitlements, and on retaining in Whyalla the skilled workers needed to power the future of Australian steel.

Affected workers must not be denied the well-deserved leave and redundancy entitlements they have accrued over years of service to the Steelworks.

The State and Federal Governments must also do everything in their power to create clear pathways into training and new employment for affected workers. Any investment in Whyalla which is backed by taxpayer money must come with a strong expectation to hire and train local workers and keep benefits in the community.

Unions will continue to advocate for investment into the Steelworks, in the form of a direct-reduced iron plant and electric arc furnace, which positions Whyalla to benefit from major global opportunities to export green iron and green steel.

Many skilled workers affected by job losses announced today will be crucial to the long-term future of the Steelworks. They must be provided with training and employment opportunities in Whyalla to safeguard the future of sovereign Australian steelmaking.

Unions will also continue to advocate for investment in the community services and infrastructure that Whyalla needs to thrive.

​Quotes attributable to SA Unions President Jennie-Marie Gorman

“South Australia can’t afford to lose skilled workers from Whyalla now, and then scramble to bring those skills back in a few years’ time.”

“Workers who have built their lives in Whyalla should be at the front of the queue for new jobs, training, and opportunities created by future investment.”

“We expect both the State and Federal Governments to use every lever available to support workers and keep skills, jobs, and families in Whyalla.

“Government-backed projects must deliver for the local community. That means hiring locally, training locally, and making sure the benefits stay in Whyalla.”