The future for Holden manufacturing in Australia is looking a little brighter following workers voting to accept changes to their enterprise bargaining agreement.
The changes include a pay freeze and additional workforce flexbiltiy for the company.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Holden’s workforce for their loyalty and flexibility,” says Holden chairman and managing director, Mike Devereux.
“Changes like this are never easy and the ‘yes’ vote is a huge commitment from the hard-working men and women of our Holden team.
“These labour-related cost savings and productivity improvements are crucial to putting our Elizabeth manufacturing facility on a path to global competitiveness,” Devereux says.
“Australia is a high-cost country; not just for making cars but for making anything,” he adds. “It was critical that we reduced our costs and delivered flexible and contemporary work arrangements.”
The changes will only come into place when Holden confirms ongoing production under its ‘Next Generation’ vehicle programme.
“We can’t survive as a local manufacturer unless we reduce our costs by being as efficient and globally competitive as possible,” comments Devereux.
“There are some tough measures in this variation but the unions and our people recognise this difficult situation and have responded in kind.”
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