WIN – Regional centres back on track after union campaign

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union has notched up another big win for their Save Our Jobs, Save Maryborough community campaign.

After workers at Maryborough’s manufacturing facility Downer secured a $200 million package of work from the Queensland Government, this week the Premier and Deputy Premier announced the facility has been selected as the preferred tenderer for $62 million in upcoming rollingstock overhauls and has been awarded $8 million in contracts on top of the $7.8 million contract awarded earlier this year.

The project, which includes the overhaul of 15 locomotives, will provide a much needed boost to the local economy that has already seen the creation of 20 new jobs thanks to the influx of work into the Downer EDI facility.

The announcement follows a community campaign that saw working people, the union and local community band together to call for secure local jobs to support the Maryborough community and economy.

AMWU Queensland and Northern Territory Executive Officer, Ann-Marie Allan said: “Manufacturing is such a vital part of the Maryborough community. The industry creates jobs for hundreds of locals and their families. That’s why this community backed in Downer employees with a stellar campaign. They stood up for jobs and now Government is delivering.”