By Belinda Nolan, 21st October 2008 Independent
FORD workers have slammed management for the way it announced plans to slash jobs at its Broadmeadows plant.
The multinational car maker last Thursday confirmed rumours when it announced it will slash 450 jobs.
In addition to the cuts, company president Martin Burela revealed more down days in production meaning staff will only be working between two and three days a week until the end of the year.
The company’s Campbellfield head office has yet to confirm how many jobs will go from its plants at Broadmeadows and Geelong.
One worker, who did not wish to be named, criticised the way Ford had handled the situation.
“There has been very little communication. You hear more about it on the radio. You hear about it first in the media, then the next day they actually tell you,” he said.
The worker said the news had delivered a crushing blow to his workmates, many of whom were facing the prospect of Christmas unemployed.
“The morale here is very low at the moment,” he said.“All the down days are having an effect on people. It’s pretty depressing.”
The man said many workers feared not only for their jobs but the pressure it would put on their families.“
So far it hasn’t affected me but it probably will in the future.
You do have to worry about it, especially if you have a family.”Mr Burela defended the company’s decision, saying the current economic crisis had left Ford with little choice but to make the cuts to ensure it could continue to operate profitably into the future.
“This is a proactive step to position ourselves for strength,” Mr Burela said.“The reality is it’s something we need to do to move forward in the marketplace.“We don’t take these steps and these actions lightly but we are committed to working with our employees and our union partners to provide a smooth transition for our people as we move forward,” Mr Burela said.“However, we do need to take these steps. The steps are necessary actions to right-size the business to ensure that we can operate and operate effectively in a very dynamic and changing marketplace here in Australia.”
The new revelations came following an August announcement that the company would cull up to 350 jobs at its Broadmeadows and Geelong factories starting in November.
The announcement brings the total job cuts at Ford to 1400 over two years.
Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union Victorian secretary Steve Dargavel said the news was disappointing.“This is a very sad day for manufacturing,” Mr Dargavel said.Mr Dargavel said the cuts, along with the down days, were a massive blow for the 4700 Victorian workers employed by Ford.
He said the union was working on an arrangement with the company, to allow workers to use their accrued leave to try to absorb some of the down days but the solution would not help everyone.
Ford cuts to hit other Geelong companies
Martin Watters, October 18th, 2008 - Geelong Advertiser
MORE Geelong jobs could be in the gun as Ford's production cuts affect companies that supply the ailing car-maker, unions say.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the flow-on effect from Ford decision to cut another 450 jobs and slow output next month could lead to component makers along the line sacking staff.
State secretary Steve Dargavel yesterday said the Blue Oval's decisions this week could have a far-reaching effect in the automotive manufacturing industry.
"Ford has announced additional downturns and both the employees of Ford and employees of companies that supply Ford will suffer additional down days," he said.
"Our members are having negotiations with companies that supply Ford and there could be another round of redundancies on the back of Ford decision."
Mr Dargavel defended the work of local manufacturing employees at companies such as Ford, General Motors Holden and Toyota but criticised management structures that prevented export.
"There's one company that is exporting cars and hiring staff and expanding plant operations while conversely Ford are shedding staff and contracting out labour and they're losing plant capacity," he said.
"One company has a parent company that allows them to export but the other has one that does not.
"Ford is constrained by its parent company's actions and that has meant that our members in Geelong suffer as a consequence."
David Sykes, general manager of Geelong components supplier Backwell IXL, said the cutbacks would have a negligible effect on his firm, but acknowledged cutbacks were a worry for any large firm.
"In general terms anyone would be concerned when a major manufacturing company changes its operations," he said.
"(But) there's no negative impact (on Backwell IXL) because we've been aware of their volume of production."
MORE Geelong jobs could be in the gun as Ford's production cuts affect companies that supply the ailing car-maker, unions say.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union says the flow-on effect from Ford decision to cut another 450 jobs and slow output next month could lead to component makers along the line sacking staff.
State secretary Steve Dargavel yesterday said the Blue Oval's decisions this week could have a far-reaching effect in the automotive manufacturing industry.
"Ford has announced additional downturns and both the employees of Ford and employees of companies that supply Ford will suffer additional down days," he said.
"Our members are having negotiations with companies that supply Ford and there could be another round of redundancies on the back of Ford decision."
Mr Dargavel defended the work of local manufacturing employees at companies such as Ford, General Motors Holden and Toyota but criticised management structures that prevented export.
"There's one company that is exporting cars and hiring staff and expanding plant operations while conversely Ford are shedding staff and contracting out labour and they're losing plant capacity," he said.
"One company has a parent company that allows them to export but the other has one that does not.
"Ford is constrained by its parent company's actions and that has meant that our members in Geelong suffer as a consequence."
David Sykes, general manager of Geelong components supplier Backwell IXL, said the cutbacks would have a negligible effect on his firm, but acknowledged cutbacks were a worry for any large firm.
"In general terms anyone would be concerned when a major manufacturing company changes its operations," he said.
"(But) there's no negative impact (on Backwell IXL) because we've been aware of their volume of production."
Mumbo jumbo bunkum at Ford
Roger Franklin October 17, 2008 - Herald Sun
FOR a while yesterday in Broadmeadows, as the news cameras rolled and Ford CEO Marin Burela hit his stride at the lectern, a dark future didn't sound too bleak at all.
Suddenly, Burela wasn't the bearer of grim tidings, the new FG sedan was a roaring success, and the company's 4000-or-so surviving workers were valued partners in a dynamic, devoted and 'extremely committed" team.
As for the 450 names that will appear on the latest round of workforce cuts, those soon to be ex employees would not simply be thrown out onto Sydney Rd.
Sacked, laid off, made redundant -- they are such brutal words. Instead, Mr Burela talked about a "separation program".
Leaping over a stack of dictionaries and weaving through a thicket of management-speak, he vaulted to the floor of a metaphoric tyre showroom, where "right-sizing" Ford's plants demanded "rebalancing and realignment".
There was quite a bit of "down shifting" as well, and "preference shifting," too. And don't forget "through-put", which rolled as smoothly from Mr Burela's lips as cars once came from his production line. But of those unmentionable job cuts, not a single word.
The optimistic glow faded even more when Steve Dargavel, state secretary of the AMWU, shared some pointed truths about his members' prospects.
"There are seven to nine jobs lost in the supply chain for every job cut here, at Ford -- you figure it out," he said.
It was short and blunt and to the point. And unlike Mr Burela's performance, it was chillingly comprehensible.
FOR a while yesterday in Broadmeadows, as the news cameras rolled and Ford CEO Marin Burela hit his stride at the lectern, a dark future didn't sound too bleak at all.
Suddenly, Burela wasn't the bearer of grim tidings, the new FG sedan was a roaring success, and the company's 4000-or-so surviving workers were valued partners in a dynamic, devoted and 'extremely committed" team.
As for the 450 names that will appear on the latest round of workforce cuts, those soon to be ex employees would not simply be thrown out onto Sydney Rd.
Sacked, laid off, made redundant -- they are such brutal words. Instead, Mr Burela talked about a "separation program".
Leaping over a stack of dictionaries and weaving through a thicket of management-speak, he vaulted to the floor of a metaphoric tyre showroom, where "right-sizing" Ford's plants demanded "rebalancing and realignment".
There was quite a bit of "down shifting" as well, and "preference shifting," too. And don't forget "through-put", which rolled as smoothly from Mr Burela's lips as cars once came from his production line. But of those unmentionable job cuts, not a single word.
The optimistic glow faded even more when Steve Dargavel, state secretary of the AMWU, shared some pointed truths about his members' prospects.
"There are seven to nine jobs lost in the supply chain for every job cut here, at Ford -- you figure it out," he said.
It was short and blunt and to the point. And unlike Mr Burela's performance, it was chillingly comprehensible.
Ford job cuts 'catastrophic' for Victoria
- AAP/ABC - 16/10/2008
Workers at Geelong's Ford plant have greeted today's news of further job losses with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Ford has confirmed it will cut a further 450 jobs from its Victorian work force.
The cuts have been blamed on the global economic slowdown and falling demand for large passenger cars.
Today's announcement takes the number of recent job losses announced at Ford's Victorian operations to about 1,500.
Shop steward Darryl Palmer, who has worked at the plant for nearly 20 years, said any further losses could be "catastrophic" for Victoria's biggest regional centre.
"It's the flow-on effect to suppliers," he said. "Most guys know what's going on ... we just didn't know the final figure."
Many of the workers arriving for today's evening shift said they would be prepared to take redundancy packages. Ilya Simunovich, who has worked at the plant for 36 years, said he planned to take redundancy and blames the downturn on petrol prices.
Many of the workers were reluctant to talk to media about the job losses and were anxious to get inside the plant and find out what was going on.
One worker, who only wanted to be called Tim, expressed frustration that media knew more about the job losses than the workers.
"I've just got back from holiday and the mood in the joint is pretty ordinary," he said. "I think everyone's in the same boat. We've all got mortgages, we've all got families, we've all got to look out. Our jobs aren't secure, you've got to do what's best for you."
Blow to the industry
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says Ford's decision to axe more jobs in Victoria is another blow to the industry, but does not mean automotive manufacturing is in terminal decline.
"This is precisely why the Government is taking decisive action to support this industry and every other Australian industry sector by increasing the liquidity and the stability of the financial system," Industry Minister Kim Carr told the Senate.
"... The situation in the automotive industry, I think we would all agree, is particularly troubling.
"We all acknowledge that the automotive sector is facing exceptional difficulties as a result of international difficulties."
Opposition industry spokesperson Eric Abetz blamed the job losses on Labor. "Well over 3,000 jobs - 5 per cent of the work force - have been lost in the Australian car industry since Labor
was elected 10 months ago on a promise to 'save Australia's car industry'," he said in a statement.
The cuts will cover all the company's Victorian operations and would be equally spread between its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants. The cuts will occur between now and the end of this year.
Workers at Geelong's Ford plant have greeted today's news of further job losses with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. Ford has confirmed it will cut a further 450 jobs from its Victorian work force.
The cuts have been blamed on the global economic slowdown and falling demand for large passenger cars.
Today's announcement takes the number of recent job losses announced at Ford's Victorian operations to about 1,500.
Shop steward Darryl Palmer, who has worked at the plant for nearly 20 years, said any further losses could be "catastrophic" for Victoria's biggest regional centre.
"It's the flow-on effect to suppliers," he said. "Most guys know what's going on ... we just didn't know the final figure."
Many of the workers arriving for today's evening shift said they would be prepared to take redundancy packages. Ilya Simunovich, who has worked at the plant for 36 years, said he planned to take redundancy and blames the downturn on petrol prices.
Many of the workers were reluctant to talk to media about the job losses and were anxious to get inside the plant and find out what was going on.
One worker, who only wanted to be called Tim, expressed frustration that media knew more about the job losses than the workers.
"I've just got back from holiday and the mood in the joint is pretty ordinary," he said. "I think everyone's in the same boat. We've all got mortgages, we've all got families, we've all got to look out. Our jobs aren't secure, you've got to do what's best for you."
Blow to the industry
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says Ford's decision to axe more jobs in Victoria is another blow to the industry, but does not mean automotive manufacturing is in terminal decline.
"This is precisely why the Government is taking decisive action to support this industry and every other Australian industry sector by increasing the liquidity and the stability of the financial system," Industry Minister Kim Carr told the Senate.
"... The situation in the automotive industry, I think we would all agree, is particularly troubling.
"We all acknowledge that the automotive sector is facing exceptional difficulties as a result of international difficulties."
Opposition industry spokesperson Eric Abetz blamed the job losses on Labor. "Well over 3,000 jobs - 5 per cent of the work force - have been lost in the Australian car industry since Labor
was elected 10 months ago on a promise to 'save Australia's car industry'," he said in a statement.
The cuts will cover all the company's Victorian operations and would be equally spread between its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants. The cuts will occur between now and the end of this year.
Ford to cut 450 more jobs
October 16th, 2008, Geelong Advertiser
BREAKING NEWS Ford will cut another 450 jobs in Australia, chief executive Marin Burela (Marin Burela) said today.
Today's announcement brings to 1,400 the total job cuts at Ford over the past 15 months.
In August, it announced 350 jobs were to go from its Geelong and Broadmeadows factories in mid-November, while 600 jobs are to be cut by 2010 with the closure of the Geelong engine plant.
Ford chief executive Marin Burela said the economic crisis was having a severe impact on Ford.
He said the cutbacks would ensure that Ford could operate profitably and would help Ford move forward in the market.
``This is a proactive step to position ourselves for strength,'' Mr Burela told reporters.
The 450 job cuts will be from both Geelong and in Melbourne, Mr Burela has just said.
``Ford is determined to change its brand it the eyes of consumers and in the market,'' Mr Burela just said. ``The realitiy is it's something we need to move forward in the marketplace''.
The jobs will go by the end of the year, Mr Burela said.
The job cuts were the ``right thing to do'' to position the company in the current environment and to respond to what the market was looking for, he said.
Mr Burela said the job cuts - which he described as a ``separation program'' - would be carried out on a voluntary basis and all employee benefits and entitlements would be provided. Financial and career counselling would also be offered, he said.
``We don't take these steps and these actions lightly, but we are committed to working with our employees and our union partners to provide a smooth transition for our people as we move forward,'' he said.
``However we do need to take these steps. The steps are necessary actions to ensure that we right-size the business, to ensure that we can operate and operate effectively in a very dynamic and changing marketplace here in Australia.''
Mr Burela said the cuts, which he also called a ``rebalancing of our staff'', would affect both factory and office staff.
``It's absolutely critical that we take a proactive step, that we position ourselves for strength in terms of where we're heading into 2009 and beyond,'' he said.
He said slashing 1,400 jobs over the last year ``is the right course of action to ensure we can operate profitably, effectively and efficiently as we move forward''.
Earlier today, Victorian Premier John Brumby said he spoke to Ford yesterday and was very disappointed with their decision.
``They would argue obviously that times have never been tougher, they've put off something like 40,000 people around the world over the last few weeks, so we are not immune from that.
``I just appeal to employers, as we go through what is a difficult short-term economic environment, to hold people for as long as you can.
``I know it's tough, I know the global circumstances are as tough as you get, but we need to hold people as long as we can otherwise this will keep spiralling onward and more and more companies will simply reduce their labour force.''
The cuts are a further blow to Australia's struggling automotive industry.
In June, Holden announced it would cease production of four-cylinder engines at its Fishermans Bend plant in Melbourne, risking more than 500 jobs, while Mitsubishi announced in February it would close its assembly operations in Tonsley Park, Adelaide, costing 970 jobs.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said it was concerned about Ford's continued production of big cars and called on the federal government to intervene to protect the industry and jobs.``The AMWU has been thinking for some time the job market for large sedans was problematic and we need significant intervention,'' said AMWU Victorian state secretary Steve Dargavel.
``Today is disappointing to our members who work on the sites and for workers on the supply chain.''
Mr Dargavel said car parts suppliers would also lose jobs as a result of Ford's cuts.
BREAKING NEWS Ford will cut another 450 jobs in Australia, chief executive Marin Burela (Marin Burela) said today.
Today's announcement brings to 1,400 the total job cuts at Ford over the past 15 months.
In August, it announced 350 jobs were to go from its Geelong and Broadmeadows factories in mid-November, while 600 jobs are to be cut by 2010 with the closure of the Geelong engine plant.
Ford chief executive Marin Burela said the economic crisis was having a severe impact on Ford.
He said the cutbacks would ensure that Ford could operate profitably and would help Ford move forward in the market.
``This is a proactive step to position ourselves for strength,'' Mr Burela told reporters.
The 450 job cuts will be from both Geelong and in Melbourne, Mr Burela has just said.
``Ford is determined to change its brand it the eyes of consumers and in the market,'' Mr Burela just said. ``The realitiy is it's something we need to move forward in the marketplace''.
The jobs will go by the end of the year, Mr Burela said.
The job cuts were the ``right thing to do'' to position the company in the current environment and to respond to what the market was looking for, he said.
Mr Burela said the job cuts - which he described as a ``separation program'' - would be carried out on a voluntary basis and all employee benefits and entitlements would be provided. Financial and career counselling would also be offered, he said.
``We don't take these steps and these actions lightly, but we are committed to working with our employees and our union partners to provide a smooth transition for our people as we move forward,'' he said.
``However we do need to take these steps. The steps are necessary actions to ensure that we right-size the business, to ensure that we can operate and operate effectively in a very dynamic and changing marketplace here in Australia.''
Mr Burela said the cuts, which he also called a ``rebalancing of our staff'', would affect both factory and office staff.
``It's absolutely critical that we take a proactive step, that we position ourselves for strength in terms of where we're heading into 2009 and beyond,'' he said.
He said slashing 1,400 jobs over the last year ``is the right course of action to ensure we can operate profitably, effectively and efficiently as we move forward''.
Earlier today, Victorian Premier John Brumby said he spoke to Ford yesterday and was very disappointed with their decision.
``They would argue obviously that times have never been tougher, they've put off something like 40,000 people around the world over the last few weeks, so we are not immune from that.
``I just appeal to employers, as we go through what is a difficult short-term economic environment, to hold people for as long as you can.
``I know it's tough, I know the global circumstances are as tough as you get, but we need to hold people as long as we can otherwise this will keep spiralling onward and more and more companies will simply reduce their labour force.''
The cuts are a further blow to Australia's struggling automotive industry.
In June, Holden announced it would cease production of four-cylinder engines at its Fishermans Bend plant in Melbourne, risking more than 500 jobs, while Mitsubishi announced in February it would close its assembly operations in Tonsley Park, Adelaide, costing 970 jobs.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) said it was concerned about Ford's continued production of big cars and called on the federal government to intervene to protect the industry and jobs.``The AMWU has been thinking for some time the job market for large sedans was problematic and we need significant intervention,'' said AMWU Victorian state secretary Steve Dargavel.
``Today is disappointing to our members who work on the sites and for workers on the supply chain.''
Mr Dargavel said car parts suppliers would also lose jobs as a result of Ford's cuts.
Geelong-born Ford president nowhere to be seen
Geelong Advertiser, Danny Lannen - October 15th, 2008
FORD Australia's new chief executive stayed silent in Melbourne yesterday while workers in his old home town paced the floor over their futures.
Marin Burela did not share a public word as talk ignited of hundreds of fresh job cuts at Ford's Geelong and Broadmeadows plants.
His former Geelong workmates called from the factory floor for respect and compassion as they contemplated more questions and less secure futures.
"People are upset, people are stressed, people are worried, they've got financial issues, housing issues, kids, morale is right, right down," one employee said.
"We just want the company to have the decency to inform people on the shop floor."
Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary said Mr Burela would speak once he had settled into his new role.
Mr Burela inherited a poisoned chalice when he formally started as Ford Australia president and chief executive on October 1 with the company already having announced cutting of up to 350 jobs in Geelong by mid-November.
Fresh claims have added weight to workers' fears as stalling big-car sales, rising fuel costs and global economic pressures weigh on bottom lines.
Ms McAlary confirmed yesterday Mr Burela was in the driver's chair, hands-on and in charge in Melbourne. but would not be speaking publicly.
He had been in and out of Australia during the past couple of weeks handing over his overseas posting, she said.
"He was in Australia for two days when he first took over and then back to Europe for more handovers and then last Wednesday night was back in Australia," Ms McAlary said.
"Obviously we've been working on this for a couple of months, what we're trying to do is set the company up so it will be the right size and with the right skills to move the business forward."
Mr Burela was born in Geelong and joined Ford as an engineering graduate in 1984 and has worked in senior management roles across manufacturing, sales, marketing and product development in Asia, Europe and North America.
He has not worked at Ford Australia since 1998.
Ms McAlary declined to comment on the number of workers who might be offered redundancies.
"We're still working through what is best," Ms McAlary said.
"We'll get back to them as soon as practically possible, we're hoping to do it sooner rather than later."
FORD Australia's new chief executive stayed silent in Melbourne yesterday while workers in his old home town paced the floor over their futures.
Marin Burela did not share a public word as talk ignited of hundreds of fresh job cuts at Ford's Geelong and Broadmeadows plants.
His former Geelong workmates called from the factory floor for respect and compassion as they contemplated more questions and less secure futures.
"People are upset, people are stressed, people are worried, they've got financial issues, housing issues, kids, morale is right, right down," one employee said.
"We just want the company to have the decency to inform people on the shop floor."
Ford Australia spokeswoman Sinead McAlary said Mr Burela would speak once he had settled into his new role.
Mr Burela inherited a poisoned chalice when he formally started as Ford Australia president and chief executive on October 1 with the company already having announced cutting of up to 350 jobs in Geelong by mid-November.
Fresh claims have added weight to workers' fears as stalling big-car sales, rising fuel costs and global economic pressures weigh on bottom lines.
Ms McAlary confirmed yesterday Mr Burela was in the driver's chair, hands-on and in charge in Melbourne. but would not be speaking publicly.
He had been in and out of Australia during the past couple of weeks handing over his overseas posting, she said.
"He was in Australia for two days when he first took over and then back to Europe for more handovers and then last Wednesday night was back in Australia," Ms McAlary said.
"Obviously we've been working on this for a couple of months, what we're trying to do is set the company up so it will be the right size and with the right skills to move the business forward."
Mr Burela was born in Geelong and joined Ford as an engineering graduate in 1984 and has worked in senior management roles across manufacturing, sales, marketing and product development in Asia, Europe and North America.
He has not worked at Ford Australia since 1998.
Ms McAlary declined to comment on the number of workers who might be offered redundancies.
"We're still working through what is best," Ms McAlary said.
"We'll get back to them as soon as practically possible, we're hoping to do it sooner rather than later."
Ford to cut jobs, won't say how many
News.com.au, 14th October 2008
FORD Australia has confirmed it will cut more jobs from its Victorian workforce as slow sales, but will not say how many, as high fuel prices and its troubled US parent continue to bite hard on its bottom line.
The company has confirmed it is looking at slashing more jobs at its Victorian plants, but will not say how many.
Company spokeswoman Sinead McAlary today said the company was looking at where it could cut costs across all divisions, including engineering, administration, product design, marketing and the factory floor.
The review is tied to Ford's decision in August to slow production of its V6 cars by up to 25 per cent, slashing up to 350 manufacturing jobs at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants in November.
Ms McAlary said the company was now reviewing its operations to see if there were further associated cost cuts that could be made.
She said Ford employed about 4,700 people at its Victorian plants, 2,300 of whom were factory floor workers and 2,400 in areas such as engineering, administration, marketing and product design.
"We have told employees there will be voluntary separations on top of the 300 to 350 jobs being cut in manufacturing," Ms McAlary said. "We're still working through that process."
She said because the review was not complete and staff had not been told how many jobs may go, reports of numbers of job cuts were speculation that she would not confirm.
Fairfax Media this morning reported Ford was set to slash another 500 jobs in Victoria.
Melbourne Australian Manufacturing Workers Union vehicle division federal secretary Ian Jones later said it would not be productive to speculate on the number of jobs at stake.
"We're constantly in contact with Ford, we'll be continuing to have some discussions with them to see exactly what the numbers are," Mr Jones said.
He said the union was meeting with Ford next Tuesday to get its anticipated sales figures for the rest of the year and did not expect to know anything until the end of the week.
"And we would expect at that meeting we would get some serious data on the jobs."
"I don't think it's going to be small,'' Mr Jones said. "We know there are jobs going - we just don't know the total figure. "These big cars are not selling,'' he said. "The financial crisis globally, to be quite frank, means people are hanging onto their money - the second biggest purchase they make in their life is their car.''
In August, Ford said it would cut 350 manufacturing jobs from next month in a bid to reduce
its annual output by one-quarter, or 18,000 cars.
Last year, Ford said it would close its six-cylinder engine plant at Geelong by the end of 2010, with the loss of 600 jobs, although it has said it would make small Focus cars at its Broadmeadows plant from 2011.
FORD Australia has confirmed it will cut more jobs from its Victorian workforce as slow sales, but will not say how many, as high fuel prices and its troubled US parent continue to bite hard on its bottom line.
The company has confirmed it is looking at slashing more jobs at its Victorian plants, but will not say how many.
Company spokeswoman Sinead McAlary today said the company was looking at where it could cut costs across all divisions, including engineering, administration, product design, marketing and the factory floor.
The review is tied to Ford's decision in August to slow production of its V6 cars by up to 25 per cent, slashing up to 350 manufacturing jobs at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants in November.
Ms McAlary said the company was now reviewing its operations to see if there were further associated cost cuts that could be made.
She said Ford employed about 4,700 people at its Victorian plants, 2,300 of whom were factory floor workers and 2,400 in areas such as engineering, administration, marketing and product design.
"We have told employees there will be voluntary separations on top of the 300 to 350 jobs being cut in manufacturing," Ms McAlary said. "We're still working through that process."
She said because the review was not complete and staff had not been told how many jobs may go, reports of numbers of job cuts were speculation that she would not confirm.
Fairfax Media this morning reported Ford was set to slash another 500 jobs in Victoria.
Melbourne Australian Manufacturing Workers Union vehicle division federal secretary Ian Jones later said it would not be productive to speculate on the number of jobs at stake.
"We're constantly in contact with Ford, we'll be continuing to have some discussions with them to see exactly what the numbers are," Mr Jones said.
He said the union was meeting with Ford next Tuesday to get its anticipated sales figures for the rest of the year and did not expect to know anything until the end of the week.
"And we would expect at that meeting we would get some serious data on the jobs."
"I don't think it's going to be small,'' Mr Jones said. "We know there are jobs going - we just don't know the total figure. "These big cars are not selling,'' he said. "The financial crisis globally, to be quite frank, means people are hanging onto their money - the second biggest purchase they make in their life is their car.''
In August, Ford said it would cut 350 manufacturing jobs from next month in a bid to reduce
its annual output by one-quarter, or 18,000 cars.
Last year, Ford said it would close its six-cylinder engine plant at Geelong by the end of 2010, with the loss of 600 jobs, although it has said it would make small Focus cars at its Broadmeadows plant from 2011.
Fords triumph at Bathurst
October 12, 2008, Sydney Morning Herald
Ford flyers Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup became the first men in 24 years to win a hat-trick of Bathurst 1000 titles with a near-flawless drive at Mount Panorama today.
The Triple Eight Racing duo equalled the all-time record for successive triumphs, joining motorsport legends Peter Brock, Jim Richards and Larry Perkins on three.
"This is amazing," Whincup said.
"How good was Lowndesy in that last stint. He just nails it every time. He's unbelievable.
"I'm not a greedy person but I'll take it every time."
New Zealand pairing Greg Murphy and Jason Richards pulled off an incredible second spot with Murphy passing the Ford of Steven Richards with just a handful of laps remaining.
Richards and Mark Winterbottom slipped another spot to fourth moments later as the Ford of James Courtney and David Besnard snuck through for a place on the podium.
Murphy and Richards, who had struggled in the V8 Supercar championship all year, formed the best Holden team for the second year in a row following their fourth place a year ago.
There was an element of controversy about the victory with Murphy claiming Lowndes should have been penalised for bumping him on the opening lap.
Lowndes appeared to veer into the side of Murphy and the four-time Bathurst champion battled steering problems as a result.
"He's got away with knocking us up," said Murphy.
Aside from that and a heap of safety car interventions late on, it was plain sailing for the champions, taking the lead from early pacesetters Stone Brothers Racing after the first pit stop on lap 34 and never looking back in their bid to enter the history books.
Lowndes, 34, also moved to equal fifth on the all-time list with four Bathurst wins, behind Brock (9), Richards (7), Perkins (6) and modern rival Mark Skaife (5).
Five-time winner Skaife and his V8 Supercar champion teammate Garth Tander had a horror day for the Holden Racing Team.
Tander got off to a disastrous start when the clutch slipped, leaving him stranded on the starting line as he dropped from pole position to last by the first corner.
Ford flyers Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup became the first men in 24 years to win a hat-trick of Bathurst 1000 titles with a near-flawless drive at Mount Panorama today.
The Triple Eight Racing duo equalled the all-time record for successive triumphs, joining motorsport legends Peter Brock, Jim Richards and Larry Perkins on three.
"This is amazing," Whincup said.
"How good was Lowndesy in that last stint. He just nails it every time. He's unbelievable.
"I'm not a greedy person but I'll take it every time."
New Zealand pairing Greg Murphy and Jason Richards pulled off an incredible second spot with Murphy passing the Ford of Steven Richards with just a handful of laps remaining.
Richards and Mark Winterbottom slipped another spot to fourth moments later as the Ford of James Courtney and David Besnard snuck through for a place on the podium.
Murphy and Richards, who had struggled in the V8 Supercar championship all year, formed the best Holden team for the second year in a row following their fourth place a year ago.
There was an element of controversy about the victory with Murphy claiming Lowndes should have been penalised for bumping him on the opening lap.
Lowndes appeared to veer into the side of Murphy and the four-time Bathurst champion battled steering problems as a result.
"He's got away with knocking us up," said Murphy.
Aside from that and a heap of safety car interventions late on, it was plain sailing for the champions, taking the lead from early pacesetters Stone Brothers Racing after the first pit stop on lap 34 and never looking back in their bid to enter the history books.
Lowndes, 34, also moved to equal fifth on the all-time list with four Bathurst wins, behind Brock (9), Richards (7), Perkins (6) and modern rival Mark Skaife (5).
Five-time winner Skaife and his V8 Supercar champion teammate Garth Tander had a horror day for the Holden Racing Team.
Tander got off to a disastrous start when the clutch slipped, leaving him stranded on the starting line as he dropped from pole position to last by the first corner.
Bank joins jobs drive
Geelong Advertiser - Rebecca Tucker, October 6th, 2008
ONE of Australia's big four banks has joined the Geelong Advertiser's Ford jobs drive campaign.
The Commonwealth Bank will offer financial planning assistance for Ford employees who lose their jobs when the car manufacturer slashes jobs from next month.
Commonwealth Financial Planning general manager Tim Gunning said the group would offer free seminars for the out-of-work employees and would waive initial advice fees, worth up to $1650.
The offer is open to employees at both Geelong and Broadmeadows, with between 300 and 350 jobs set to be cut across the two plants in line with Ford's plan to slash production by up to 25 per cent.
By 2010, more than half Ford Geelong's 1300 manufacturing workers will lose their jobs.
Ford will axe 600 jobs from Geelong when its six-cylinder engine production ends in two years.
``Some of these people will be getting large amounts of money and it's important that they invest the money wisely and make it work for them, especially in these uncertain times,'' Mr Gunning said.
The Geelong Advertiser began the Jobs Drive when Ford announced its production cuts in August.More than 15 employers have signed up to the campaign, pledging to consider Ford workers in their hunt for new jobs.
ONE of Australia's big four banks has joined the Geelong Advertiser's Ford jobs drive campaign.
The Commonwealth Bank will offer financial planning assistance for Ford employees who lose their jobs when the car manufacturer slashes jobs from next month.
Commonwealth Financial Planning general manager Tim Gunning said the group would offer free seminars for the out-of-work employees and would waive initial advice fees, worth up to $1650.
The offer is open to employees at both Geelong and Broadmeadows, with between 300 and 350 jobs set to be cut across the two plants in line with Ford's plan to slash production by up to 25 per cent.
By 2010, more than half Ford Geelong's 1300 manufacturing workers will lose their jobs.
Ford will axe 600 jobs from Geelong when its six-cylinder engine production ends in two years.
``Some of these people will be getting large amounts of money and it's important that they invest the money wisely and make it work for them, especially in these uncertain times,'' Mr Gunning said.
The Geelong Advertiser began the Jobs Drive when Ford announced its production cuts in August.More than 15 employers have signed up to the campaign, pledging to consider Ford workers in their hunt for new jobs.
Ford ponders selling engine plant site
Geelong Advertiser - Jeff Whalley, September 27th, 2008
FORD Australia is considering selling its iconic engine plant site. The company yesterday said the historic Melbourne Rd site could be off-loaded to fund future investments.
Ford spokesman Edward Finn yesterday said the plant in the north-west corner of the property was being considered for sale.
"Ford announced last year that it will be closing its engine assembly operation in 2010 and consistent with that plan, Ford has commenced discussions as to how best to utilise that facility," Mr Finn said.
"This includes the possible sale of the facility to fund investment and drive Ford's ongoing business objectives."
In mid-August, the motor giant announced plans to cut up to 350 workers from its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants in mid-November.
This news came on top of 600 Ford Geelong job cuts from 2010 when six-cylinder engine production ends.
This week the motor giant named former Geelong engineer and senior manager Marin Burela as the heir apparent to take over as president and chief executive officer on October 1, becoming the company's first Australian boss since 2004.
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union car division federal secretary Ian Jones has urged the Federal Government to implement reforms to the industry based on the review by former Victorian premier Steve Bracks in order to save the industry.
On its release in August, Mr Jones applauded the report's authors for picking up on the union suggestions, including doubling the green car fund and addressing the problems faced by workers who lose their jobs.
"The panel faced one first test to determine whether they want a car industry," he said.
"They have passed that test. The second part was crafting a policy in terms of environment. They have passed that test."
FORD Australia is considering selling its iconic engine plant site. The company yesterday said the historic Melbourne Rd site could be off-loaded to fund future investments.
Ford spokesman Edward Finn yesterday said the plant in the north-west corner of the property was being considered for sale.
"Ford announced last year that it will be closing its engine assembly operation in 2010 and consistent with that plan, Ford has commenced discussions as to how best to utilise that facility," Mr Finn said.
"This includes the possible sale of the facility to fund investment and drive Ford's ongoing business objectives."
In mid-August, the motor giant announced plans to cut up to 350 workers from its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants in mid-November.
This news came on top of 600 Ford Geelong job cuts from 2010 when six-cylinder engine production ends.
This week the motor giant named former Geelong engineer and senior manager Marin Burela as the heir apparent to take over as president and chief executive officer on October 1, becoming the company's first Australian boss since 2004.
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union car division federal secretary Ian Jones has urged the Federal Government to implement reforms to the industry based on the review by former Victorian premier Steve Bracks in order to save the industry.
On its release in August, Mr Jones applauded the report's authors for picking up on the union suggestions, including doubling the green car fund and addressing the problems faced by workers who lose their jobs.
"The panel faced one first test to determine whether they want a car industry," he said.
"They have passed that test. The second part was crafting a policy in terms of environment. They have passed that test."
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