The Mining and Energy Union has called on AGL to urgently meet with workers and union representatives to discuss the impact of fast-tracked closures of Bayswater and Loy Yang A power stations announced today.
MEU General President Tony Maher said that the workers and communities who have supported and relied on the coal-fired power industry for decades should not be thrown on the scrapheap.
"Our energy generation industry is undergoing a major transformation. But it shouldn't follow that the workers and communities who have supported and relied on the coal-fired power generation industry for decades should pay the price of decarbonisation," said Mr Maher.
"Central to closure plans must be measures to prevent forced redundancies, create job transfer opportunities for skilled workers and invest in diversification in the Hunter and Latrobe Valley regions.
"We have worked constructively with AGL on measures to support workers at Liddell power station, which is the next slated for closure.
"With the timelines outlined today by AGL for Bayswater and Loy Yang A, there is time to put comprehensive plans in place to support and reassure workers.
"Unfortunately, Australians have seen too many examples of workers and communities being thrown on the scrapheap when their industries face structural change. We can and must take this opportunity to demonstrate that workers' livelihoods and futures matter and deserve planning and investment."
