Workers will protest today outside the Footscray
factory of Workwear Group over a decision to cancel a defence uniform order.
AAP reports that the workers will appeal to defence minister
Kevin Andrews to reverse the decision, which puts at risk 80 jobs and Australia’s
uniform-making capability.
“As a result of this short-sighted
decision, 80 Australians will lose their jobs, and manufacturing of Australian
defence uniforms is at risk of being moved entirely offshore,” the
TCF Australia union’s Michele O’Neil said in a statement.
WWG, which also produces brands including
Hard Yakka and King Gee, was acquired by Wesfarmers from Pacific Brands, with the ACCC announcing it would not oppose the decision last November.
According to the Army website, Workwear Group and
Australian Defence Apparel are the only two companies that make the Australian Multicam Camouflage Uniform (AMCU), issued last year.
Image: http://army.gov.au/Our-work/News-and-media/Army-launches-next-generation-uniform