Review threat to Ford jobs

By Geelong Story Updates
Hundreds more jobs are under a cloud at Ford’s Geelong plant, unions have warned.
Fears for maintenance staff have emerged weeks after Ford announced 600 workers would lose their jobs when the company stopped making sixcylinder engines in Geelong from 2010.
Australian Metal Workers Union state organiser Victor Jose said a Ford “quest” to save $40 million had sparked the new jobs fears.
The company had launched a series of reviews, including the Geelong maintenance department, Mr Jose said.
He estimated the review affected about 300 jobs in maintenance at Geelong.
Mr Jose said the company had been “up front” in announcing the review to staff but had not ruled out job losses.
“Our blokes in maintenance are very concerned about this review,” he said.
“While Ford is saying there have been no decisions made, our blokes are looking at it a bit nervously.”
Mr Jose said the review could lead to the company outsourcing Geelong maintenance jobs.
“Ford hasn’t discarded that as a possibility.
“It has said (outsourcing) is not a primary focus of the review but if it’s an option then Ford will certainly look at it.”
Mr Jose said the review was one of about 40 underway at Ford.
The reviews could also impact on jobs in other Geelong departments including the stamping plant.
“They’re looking at every nook and cranny, from maintenance right down to the number of colour printers,” Mr Jose said.
“There’s a number of parts produced in the stamping plant and Ford is considering its options for some of them.
“For example, they might find someone else who could produce the parts.”
Ford spokesperson Sinead McAlary said the reviews were “benchmarking studies”.
Ms McAlary said Ford carried out the studies “constantly” to stay competitive.
“There’s nothing new and unusual about us doing this,” she said.