NSW:AWU blames strong $A for steel woes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2011
NSW:AWU blames strong $A for steel woes

SYDNEY, Aug 22 AAP - As a steelmaker prepares to retrench 1000 workers, the Australian
Workers Union says domestic consumption must be better promoted if Australian manufacturers
are to survive.

Paul Howes, the union's national secretary, says the strength of the Australian dollar
has resulted in a major crisis for the Australian manufacturing sector.

The latest victim, Bluescope Steel, is set to announce the closure of its No. 6 blast
furnace at Port Kembla on the NSW south coast and the Western Port hot strip mill at Hastings,
east of Melbourne.

The closures are expected to put at least 1000 people out of work.

Mr Howes, who will be in Port Kembla on Monday morning, blames the strength of the
Australian dollar for the problems.

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KEYWORD: BLUESCOPE AWU

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