AWU asks Alcoa workers ‘where are they now?’
THREE hundred workers left Alcoa in August and another 200 switched off the lights as they left the iconic smelter for the final time in December. As Ray Martin might ask: “Where are they now?”
The outcomes have been as mixed as a bag of lollies, and some of the flavours more sour than sweet, according to Australian Workers Union Victorian secretary Ben Davis.
“When Point Henry closed we estimated, on the basis of hundreds of phone calls, that about 20 per cent of the workers to be made redundant had firm prospects for the future. In a very limited number of cases they had jobs to go; others were preparing to look around and examine their options, ” Mr Davis said.
“It was obvious to all concerned that this was a time of huge emotional stress for workers, their families and their friends. Many of our members expressed concern about their workmates and worried about how others would cope.”
Anecdotal evidence suggested the majority of former Alcoans were not currently in full time work, he said.
“Typically, many former Alcoa workers with whom we have contact will say they have done a few weeks, days or hours here or there, often working for family or friends, but not in what would be classed as secure employment. Former Alcoa workers have high skill levels and years of experience to offer any new employer,” he said.
“In many instances, retraining would be necessary to convert those assets to employable skills in a new area or industry.
“We want to establish how many have taken up training or retraining opportunities. We are about to survey our members and former members again to find out how many have found jobs, how many have engaged in retraining and how well they feel they have been served by the assistance available to them.”
Mr Davis said the psychological impact of mass job losses could prove just as profound as the economic challenges, and his union remained concerned about many former workers.
“Addressing the psychosocial challenges of mass job losses, such as those in and around Geelong, must be part of any long-term plan to ensure that workers who have contributed so much, and those who have depended on them, are not thrown on the scrap heap,” he said.
“Every job loss hurts every individual who experiences that loss.”