The ACTU today called for a reversal of the decision to have rail wagons for the Adelaide-Darwin rail project manufactured in China.
‘It is unacceptable for a national project such as the Adelaide-Darwin rail line to be involved in transferring Australian jobs to overseas manufacturers,’ said ACTU President Sharan Burrow.
‘South Australia needs more manufacturing and other skilled jobs if we are to reduce unemployment in that State.’
‘There are well-equipped facilities in Adelaide and elsewhere in SA where these wagons could be built to the high quality standards required by the rail system.’
‘China is a destination for manufacturing work due to the absence of decent working conditions and low wages. Free trade unions are not permitted to operate in China,’ Ms Burrow said.
‘Rather than exploiting Chinese workers to save a few dollars, Australian companies should make them here in Australia so that our community benefits.’
Ms Burrow said the manufacture of the rail wagons should be transferred back to Australia.
