The loss of 1400 jobs at BlueScope Steel is a devastating blow for the retrenched workers and the manufacturing industry, the Australian Workers Union (AWU) says.
BlueScope, which owns New Zealand Steel, operator of the Glenbrook steel mill, confirmed yesterday that it would shut down its number six blast furnace at Port Kembla, south of Sydney, and close its Western Port hot strip mill, east of Melbourne.
"Today's announcement is devastating for the families of more than 1400 workers who will be feeling the trauma and distress that comes with the loss of a secure income," AWU national secretary Paul Howes said.
It further strengthened the union's call for action on the Chinese yuan, a robust anti-dumping system and strong local procurement policies for the resources sector, Howes said.
The BlueScope closures sent a clear signal that Australian manufacturing was facing its worst crisis since the Great Depression, he said.