Hundreds of AMWU members attended action on climate change rallies held around the country on the weekend to remind the government that it must take care of both the environment and jobs.

They joined thousands of unionists and concerned members of the public calling for action to reduce carbon pollution by taxing big polluters and protecting working people from price rises.

AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said the AMWU had a clear message which was that action taken to lower emissions must be backed by industry plans to protect existing jobs and create jobs in clean technology.

“Many of our members understand the imperative here. They recognise that something has to be done to reduce the level of carbon pollution in Australia or there will be dire economic and social consequences.

“But we’re saying clearly that the government needs to protect jobs and create jobs as part of that plan.

“Many countries like the UK, Europe, the US and China are putting a price on carbon, but for those that don’t, we need to have some protection against imports, such as so-called ‘green tarrifs’.

“On the job creation side, it’s vital that we take advantage of the job opportunities in the global $6 trillion clean technology sector.”

Mr Oliver said Tony Abbott’s posturing over jobs was not credible given his long record of opposing manufacturing job support programs.

“Tony Abbott has never stood up for for manufacturing workers, and he doesn’t speak for us now. His “Direct Action” policy would not create or protect jobs, nor would it lead to substantive cuts in pollution.  Instead it would leave Australia out of the race to secure clean technology jobs.”

Mr Oliver encouraged all members to visit www.sayyesaustralia.com.au and read the AMWU’s submission to the Federal Government on a proposed carbon tax.

“Australia’s manufacturing industry has a lot at stake in the development of clean energy generation and energy efficient technology. This is why our union is calling on the government to use money from a carbon price to fund industry policies in clean technology.”

For more information on the kinds of manufacturing jobs to be created under a low carbon economy read this article.