In an effort to preserve jobs, GM Holden will go for a single shift - two crew operation system starting May the 4th at its Elizabeth plant in South Australia. The move is also meant on resizing production levels to meet current market demands, ahead of the introduction of the new fuel efficient four cylinder vehicle in 2010. The new production output of the Australian plant is set at 310 vehicles/day.
“This is the best way to protect jobs in the current environment and keep Holden in the best possible shape leading into the opening of our second car line and an improvement in global market conditions,” Mark Reuss, GM chairman said.
GM Holden and its unions will work together to negotiate the single shift rotation scheme, providing options to choose one week on, one week off, or two weeks on, two weeks off. The workers will receive 50 percent pay for the days they do not work on.
“We are acutely aware of the impact this change will have on our people and we will do everything we can to support them through this. This will include paying 50 per cent pay on down days and ensuring flexibility in our rostering to assist employees to plan their lives,” the official added.
Today's decision comes after a wide range of other cost cutting measures set in place by the company in its efforts to get through the crisis. The previous measures included pay cuts for senior executives, pay freeze for white collar employees and cancellation of bonuses.
GM Holden's plant in Elizabeth in the only one the company owns. Forty-five versions of the Commodore range are being built here for both the domestic and foreign markets.
“This is the best way to protect jobs in the current environment and keep Holden in the best possible shape leading into the opening of our second car line and an improvement in global market conditions,” Mark Reuss, GM chairman said.
GM Holden and its unions will work together to negotiate the single shift rotation scheme, providing options to choose one week on, one week off, or two weeks on, two weeks off. The workers will receive 50 percent pay for the days they do not work on.
“We are acutely aware of the impact this change will have on our people and we will do everything we can to support them through this. This will include paying 50 per cent pay on down days and ensuring flexibility in our rostering to assist employees to plan their lives,” the official added.
Today's decision comes after a wide range of other cost cutting measures set in place by the company in its efforts to get through the crisis. The previous measures included pay cuts for senior executives, pay freeze for white collar employees and cancellation of bonuses.
GM Holden's plant in Elizabeth in the only one the company owns. Forty-five versions of the Commodore range are being built here for both the domestic and foreign markets.