Williamstown shipyard employees have received a letter from the yard’s owner, BAE Systems, which urges the workers to keep their hard work regardless of poor order intake, The Australian writes citing the letter’s content.
According to Bill Saltzer, the signatory of the letter, who is BAE maritime director, there is a “significant gap” in new orders at Williamstown.
Being faced with shortage of work, BAE Systems is mulling various steps so as to keep the shipyard open, nevertheless this might mean significant reduction in labor force that includes 1,100 workers currently employed at the shipyard.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) has voiced its concern about the workers and has called the federal government to arrange a meeting and discuss the future of jobs at Williamstown shipyard, Australian Logistics Magazine informed.
[mappress] Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, April 26, 2013; Image: BAE