The Australian Shipbuilding Federation of Unions (ASFU) believes the acquisition of ASC Ships by BAE is a positive step towards stabilising and revitalising Australia's shipbuilding industry.
ASFU Convenor and AMWU Assistant National Secretary Glenn Thompson said the federation would be seeking urgent detailed discussions with BAE about transition issues affecting its members at the Osborne shipyard.
"ASC Ships' workforce is currently building the first two of the Off Shore Patrol Vessels and completing the Air Warfare Destroyer project but this same group will be the core of the skilled workforce required to construct the Hunter Class Frigates starting in 2020," Mr Thompson said.
"Our concern is that BAE maintains all jobs and skills as it takes over the employment of more than 800 shipbuilding workers currently on the ASC Ships' payroll," he said.
"This is a milestone in the transition to the Federal Government's 'continuous build' program but with more than 3,000 jobs already lost from the industry it is vital that the current skills base is secured with no further redundancies."
Mr Thompson said the Federal Coalition Government had been dragging its feet over shipbuilding jobs, continuing to promise jobs would be saved while the Government-owned ASC announced more redundancies.
Minister Pyne said in October 2017 the 'valley of death' was over.
"Shipbuilders have heard enough empty promises from the Federal Government and what they need now is a firm commitment from Scott Morrison and Christopher Pyne that the existing skills base will be maintained," Mr Thompson said.
