1200 ford workers to be stood down without pay tonight

http://www.news.com.au/business/stor...-31037,00.html

Due to Venture Industries strike of 240 employees.

By Catherine Best, Simon Mossman and Kate Lahey

August 23, 2007 05:03pm

Article from: AAP
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MORE than 1200 Ford workers in Victoria are to be stood down indefinitely without pay from tonight as a new industrial dispute threatens to cripple Australia's car industry.

More than 240 workers at Venture Industries, a former Ford unit that supplies the car manufacturer with plastic components, walked off the job today in a row over unpaid entitlements.

Union leaders say Venture employees are owed $25 million in entitlements, after the company announced it would close its Broadmeadows factory and move to a new site on the other side of Melbourne.

Tonight, Ford said 800 assembly line workers based at Broadmeadows and 450 engine workers at its Geelong plant would be stood down from close of business today until the supply of Venture products resumed.

"This is a temporary action only and their jobs at Ford are not at risk. Other Ford employees will continue working," Ford spokeswoman Sinead McAlary said.

"We have indicated to both the union and Venture that we expect them to work to resolve this matter as soon as possible."

The 1250 workers affected by the dispute would be able to use their annual leave entitlements to cover any shortfalls from a loss of pay, Ms McAlary said.

The strike action would directly affect Ford's overall production, and could also have an impact on more than 200 other suppliers – most of them in Victoria – which provide components to the car manufacturer.

"Ford produces 350 cars a day. This means there will be no cars whatsoever being rolled out until the dispute is resolved."

Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) Victorian secretary Steve Dargavel said most of Venture's 242-strong workforce would be sacked without redundancy entitlements to cut costs.

The company had purchased another business, Venture DMG, based in Melbourne's southeast, where equipment and resources would be relocated.

Mr Dargavel blamed the problems on multi-national corporations seeking to capitalise on the Australian manufacturing industry but ultimately leaving it in ruins.

"This is a problem created by industry and the failure of the market," Mr Dargavel said.

"It's an increasing tendency of companies to try and pull these stunts under corporations law where they'll liquidate one entity and set up another entity and claim that they have no obligations to employees.

"We're concerned that Venture is playing games ... and are trying to put pressure on the car producers to give them some arrangements that they might otherwise not have and our members are being used as cannon fodder."

Victorian Premier John Brumby urged the parties to quickly resolve the issue, adding the threat of stand downs across the industry was unwelcome.

"We hope it's resolved, I hope it's resolved today. If it's resolved today then there is no threat in terms of stand downs in any other industries."

Comment was tonight still being sought from Venture.

[phillyc]

I feel sorry for the workers being used as pawns in this battle.

What are the chances of the "Ford SACKS 1200 workers without pay" making the biased headlines tonight? As good as 100%

[FlipXW]

Originally Posted by phillyc

I feel sorry for the workers being used as pawns in this battle.

What are the chances of the "Ford SACKS 1200 workers without pay" making the biased headlines tonight? As good as 100%

I agree, Ford does not need this at all. And even though its not there fault they will be made out to look like the bad guys.

[fou_bleu]

Well Ford has officially lost its reputation in Aus! :( I wouldn't bother going for a job at Ford now! /shakes head...

[superpursuit83]

Thats sad, so is maybe the delivery of my new xr. It was in Trim yesterday.

[4Vman]

What a futile waste of time and money... i feel for all the genuine workers who clearly just wanted to go to work and earn their pay...
Ironically the selfish few who cause or call these strikes end up costing themselves and their co-workers more money in lost earnings from not working that they gain from the resolution, and cause untold damage and expense to their employer, which ultimately jeopardises their job security...

There are better ways to seek a solution to a dispute, striking is the stupidest.

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

What a futile waste of time and money... i feel for all the genuine workers who clearly just wanted to go to work and earn their pay...
Ironically the selfish few who cause or call these strikes end up costing themselves and their co-workers more money in lost earnings from not working that they gain from the resolution, and cause untold damage and expense to their employer, which ultimately jeopardises their job security...

There are better ways to seek a solution to a dispute, striking is the stupidest.

And where do these people fit in ?

most of Venture's 242-strong workforce would be sacked without redundancy entitlements to cut costs.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by superpursuit83

Thats sad, so is maybe the delivery of my new xr. It was in Trim yesterday.

If its in trim then you'll be waiting a while as the bumpers (that come from Venture) havent been made yet (well depends on which trim line they're on).

Originally Posted by 4Vman

What a futile waste of time and money... i feel for all the genuine workers who clearly just wanted to go to work and earn their pay...
Ironically the selfish few who cause or call these strikes end up costing themselves and their co-workers more money in lost earnings from not working that they gain from the resolution, and cause untold damage and expense to their employer, which ultimately jeopardises their job security...

There are better ways to seek a solution to a dispute, striking is the stupidest.

I seriously hope Venture go under, these guys were the only company that supplied Ford that didn't have to worry about the slow down in Fords sales.
Then saying that, Ford should have never sold it's plastics plant in the first place.


I'm surprised, when the guys at ford were stood down last year (from industrial action) they got 60% of they're pay.

[congo3sr]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

What a futile waste of time and money... i feel for all the genuine workers who clearly just wanted to go to work and earn their pay...
Ironically the selfish few who cause or call these strikes end up costing themselves and their co-workers more money in lost earnings from not working that they gain from the resolution, and cause untold damage and expense to their employer, which ultimately jeopardises their job security...

There are better ways to seek a solution to a dispute, striking is the stupidest.

I would say the people that have decided to take this action didnt take it lightly,and there union wouldnt have pushed it,as most other suppliers,and indeed ford workers are represented by them as well.striking is the last thing anyone wants.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

What a futile waste of time and money... i feel for all the genuine workers who clearly just wanted to go to work and earn their pay...
Ironically the selfish few who cause or call these strikes end up costing themselves and their co-workers more money in lost earnings from not working that they gain from the resolution, and cause untold damage and expense to their employer, which ultimately jeopardises their job security...

There are better ways to seek a solution to a dispute, striking is the stupidest.

You clearly don't know what are you talking about, in which case better stay out of this discussion.

[Bobman]

Ford Australia have been digging their own grave for some time now.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by vztrt

If its in trim then you'll be waiting a while as the bumpers (that come from Venture) havent been made yet (well depends on which trim line they're on).




I seriously hope Venture go under, these guys were the only company that supplied Ford that didn't have to worry about the slow down in Fords sales.
Then saying that, Ford should have never sold it's plastics plant in the first place.

I'm surprised, when the guys at ford were stood down last year (from industrial action) they got 60% of they're pay.

What makes you think that Venture didnt suffer from reduced Ford volumes? Parts that Venture supplies are based on numbers of cars produced by Ford, and as such Venture closelly follows Ford fortunes...Venture revenue is dependent on Ford volumes , next time get your facts right. As for you wishing for Venture to go under, thats just plain nasty..

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

You clearly don't know what are you talking about, in which case better stay out of this discussion.

Insightfull... care to explain yourself?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Bobman

Ford Australia have been digging their own grave for some time now.

So your blaming ford for a problem created by they're supplier?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

What makes you think that Venture didnt suffer from reduced Ford volumes? Parts that Venture supplies are based on numbers of cars produced by Ford, and as such Venture closelly follows Ford fortunes...Venture revenue is dependent on Ford volumes , next time get your facts right. As for you wishing for Venture to go under, thats just plain nasty..

BS, they're contract was based on a set number. Ford still had to pay for parts that it didn't buy. I was there during the cost cutting measures and Ford coudn't do anything with venture.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Insightfull... care to explain yourself?

Workers that are currently on strike are "genuine" workers as you call them. They are not selfish in any way but rather desperate. Noone strikes without a good reason. All avenues for peacefull resolution were exhousted before strike happened.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by vztrt

BS, they're contract was based on a set number. Ford still had to pay for parts that it didn't buy. I was there during the cost cutting measures and Ford coudn't do anything with venture.

Well ,i can tell you that Venture gets payed per part delivered.

[irish2]

If you don't stand up for your rights however you work like a Vietnamese shoe maker. 70 hours a week for $1 an hour. The withdrawal of labour from the workforce has been an effective tool in helping us become a wealthy nation. It is not money lost from not working it is money gained by not working for a company that is ripping you off because of a dodgy law that should be changed. Company's often go under leaving many workers out of poket and resurface a month later to buy the boss his next million dollar mansion. We only heard about this attempt to rip off the workers because it is larger than normal.

Some people will say "so what, people get sacked everyday. Why are these people making others lives harder?" These people would be payed redundancy entitlements if sacked but the company is using the fact it can change its name and basically strip all funds from the old company to declare bankruptcy and start fresh without any regard for the people who earn them their profit and are just trying to pay the bills.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Workers that are currently on strike are "genuine" workers as you call them. They are not selfish in any way but rather desperate. Noone strikes without a good reason. All avenues for peacefull resolution were exhousted before strike happened.

How many workers actually wanted to strike?? how many had a choice?? its usually the rabid minority who start this stuff.
How in gods name is loosing X numbers of days pay yourself and potentially jeopardising the very survival of the company you work for as well as the flow on effect to the company's they supply (Ford) as well as all the other suppliers to Ford who loose sales because Ford cant use the parts to manufacture cars smart???
I don't care what the problems are at ventura, striking is IMO plain selfish and STUPID :togo: .

[irish2]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

Workers that are currently on strike are "genuine" workers as you call them. They are not selfish in any way but rather desperate. Noone strikes without a good reason. All avenues for peacefull resolution were exhousted before strike happened.

John Howards new laws have now introduced a $22000 dollar fine for people on "illegal strike actions". Not so long ago myself and fellow co-workers would strike not for pay conditions, but for safety concerns that sometimes caused injury or death. The builders would only rectify the problem if the labour was withdrawn and the cost of lost productivity was worse that the cost of rectification. Since this fine was introduced I have worked on some of the most dangerous sites I have ever seen. The unions no longer have right of entry whilst injuries and deaths just become facts and figures. I hope these workers are not fined for trying to get what they are owed.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

How many workers actually wanted to strike?? how many had a choice?? its usually the rabid minority who start this stuff.
How in gods name is loosing X numbers of days pay yourself and potentially jeopardising the very survival of the company you work for as well as the flow on effect to the company's they supply (Ford) as well as all the other suppliers to Ford who loose sales because Ford cant use the parts to manufacture cars smart???
I don't care what the problems are at ventura, striking is IMO plain selfish and STUPID :togo: .

Generally there is a motion from the rank and file and if that motion recieves a seconder then it is put to the vote. A majority vote must be achived to cause an action.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

How in gods name is loosing X numbers of days pay yourself and potentially jeopardising the very survival of the company you work for as well as the flow on effect to the company's they supply (Ford) as well as all the other suppliers to Ford who loose sales because Ford cant use the parts to manufacture cars smart???
I don't care what the problems are at ventura, striking is IMO plain selfish and STUPID :togo: .

The company in question has plans to shut down operations in Broadmedows (they purchased plant in south east where the labour is cheaper) and not pay redundancy to their workers. You are against strike in general. I said earlier that you don't understand the topic,so it is better if you take a rest. If it wasn't for fights and strikes you wouldn't have any of today's freedom ,democracy and rights for workers. I think you prefer $1 dollar per day for workes,chinese style.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by irish2

Generally there is a motion from the rank and file and if that motion recieves a seconder then it is put to the vote. A majority vote must be achived to cause an action.

The problem is there are allways the vocal minority who bully their co-workers into following suit or face the concequences..
Ive seen first had the destruction done to an office building by a group of union heavy's and workers with baseball bats and sledge hammers..
Im not saying that this is the case here, but there must be a smarter way to resolve these issues other than striking..
If the company is breaking the law in anyway they'll be forced to comply, if they're not breaking the law then people need to decide where they'd rather work... Find another job if you're unhappy, good workers are in high demand with unemployment so low at the moment.

[Super Snake]

This is all caused by John Howards Industrial laws. He has made sure that ordinary workers have a hard time in negotiating their future wages.
This is only the start, there will be more striff coming from other companies trying to shaft their workers, and they too will affect Ford and also the other 3 here in Australia.
If you are currently on an EBA, the employer can terminate it anytime they wish.
If you want to go on strike, you have to get permission from the Commission, and then after a few weeks, you can go on strike.
I think that the workers at Venture have done this, and if they haven't, the employer can sue for costs, which the employees would have to pay.

So, give these workers a go. They are just asking what is owed to them.
Unfortunately, Ford and their workers are going to suffer as well.

[SumoDog68]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

How many workers actually wanted to strike?? how many had a choice?? its usually the rabid minority who start this stuff.
I don't care what the problems are at ventura, striking is IMO plain selfish and STUPID :togo: .

Under new legislation before strike there is a secret ballot(conducted by electoral commision). Results were 90% for strike action. Than strike was approved by industrial commision which makes it fully legal under current legislation.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by SumoDog68

The company in question has plans to shut down operations in Broadmedows (they purchased plant in south east where the labour is cheaper) and not pay redundancy to their workers. You are against strike in general. I said earlier that you don't understand the topic,so it is better if you take a rest. If it wasn't for fights and strikes you wouldn't have any of today's freedom ,democracy and rights for workers. I think you prefer $1 dollar per day for workes,chinese style.

Take a close look at what's happening to large scale manufacturing in Australia, give it 5 years and there wont be any large scale manufacturing here, the less competitive we become because of spiraling wages, strikes, productivity issues etc the quicker these business's will close..
I know its hard to accept but this kind of Industrial action will just quicken the process, and force companies to look OS....

[irish2]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

The problem is there are allways the vocal minority who bully their co-workers into following suit or face the concequences..
Ive seen first had the destruction done to an office building by a group of union heavy's and workers with baseball bats and sledge hammers..
Im not saying that this is the case here, but there must be a smarter way to resolve these issues other than striking..
If the company is breaking the law in anyway they'll be forced to comply, if they're not breaking the law then people need to decide where they'd rather work... Find another job if you're unhappy, good workers are in high demand with unemployment so low at the moment.

They could just find another job but they want their entitlements. Its in their agreement when they start and they are owed the redundancy pay. Redundancy pay has been outlawed under workchoices contracts but these workers are under union agreements. Some of these workers may be owed $10k or more. The redundancy money was argued for and won in the place of a pay rise and therefore should be forthcoming.

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by irish2

They could just find another job but they want their entitlements. Its in their agreement when they start and they are owed the redundancy pay. Redundancy pay has been outlawed under workchoices contracts but these workers are under union agreements. Some of these workers may be owed $10k or more. The redundancy money was argued for and won in the place of a pay rise and therefore should be forthcoming.

Ok, so effectively they'll get what they wanted? so why the strike?
By the way, redundancy payments havent been outlawed, they're just not compulsary under some conditions.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Take a close look at what's happening to manufacturing in Australia, give it 5 years and there wont be any manufacturing here, the less competitive we become because of spiraling wages, strikes, productivity issues etc the quicker these business's will close..
I know its hard to accept but this kind of Industrial action will just quicken the process...

We can't compete with 3rd world nations unless we become a 3rd world nation. We can pay our workers less so we can become 'competitive' but our workforce often is far more skilled than overseas counterparts and that commands a premium. Why should we compete with people being paid $50 a week when their houses cost $2000 or a few goats. Our cost of living is far greater and the workers need to be able to feed their children without having 2 jobs like many low working class Americans.

[irish2]

Originally Posted by 4Vman

Ok, so effectively they'll get what they wanted? so why the strike?

They are striking because the company is going to declare bankruptcy and therefore owes them nothing. the company is then going to move and start doing the same thing in a different location. I think you need to re read the press release.