The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has placed its support behind Julia Gillard’s carbon tax, saying in a meeting yesterday no jobs need to be lost as a result of the scheme.
The AWU acknowledged that a price on carbon will happen, and that it needs to be part of the debate in order to protect jobs.
“We believe the Federal Government has put forward a responsible package – one designed to protect jobs and support businesses. It is clear that the Government agrees with our union that you won’t cut pollution if you shut down local businesses and create carbon leakage,” AWU leadership said.
According to the AWU, there is no excuse or reason for any employer to lay off workers as a result of the carbon tax.
“The union’s leaders are committed to naming-and-shaming any boss who uses the carbon price package as an excuse to sack workers. We will hold to account any employer who thinks they can get away with laying off workers under the guise of this tax.”
Australian manufacturing needs a considered plan to support it through the crucial transition period facing it, with the union to “mount a campaign for the introduction of such a plan to protect jobs now and into the future, considering the economic circumstances facing manufacturing.”
“The AWU will continue to work with industry and the government over the coming weeks and months to ensure the laws and regulations introduced into Parliament protect our members’ jobs.”
