Vic: Jobs saved as parts workers agreee to rescue package=3

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2007
Vic: Jobs saved as parts workers agreee to rescue package=3

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) acting Victorian secretary Steve Dargavel
said the deal also guaranteed supply contracts for a minimum of 12 months, making the
business more attractive to potential buyers.

"We're fairly confident that given these extra measures, we're confident the company
will be sold," he said.

Mr Dargavel said Ford and Delphi had also agreed to fund a legal pursuit of Coghlan
and Russell's directors over alleged misappropriation of funds.

Ms McAlary would not comment on that aspect of the deal.

"I'm not prepared to get into any specifics on that, you'll have to speak to the administrator
about that," she said.

Mr Slattery said he was unaware if the car manufacturers had made such a commitment.

An investigation would be undertaken in a "timely and professional manner", rather
than a "witchhunt", he said.

"For the union to say there has been misappropriation of funds - that is our call to
make and we've got to do our investigations into the affairs of the company, we can't
categorically say that," Mr Slattery said.

AAP cmb/gfr/ks/jlw

KEYWORD: FORD 3 MELBOURNE

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