Sixty Jobs in limbo as smelter switches contractors

ABOUT 60 jobs at Portland Aluminium are in limbo after Alcoa announced its latest round of cost-saving measures. The company will axe mechanical and electrical contractors PT Engineering and Silcar. Keppel Prince Engineering will take over the two roles from October 1. Australian Manufacturing Workers Union south-west organiser Mark Solly said Keppel Prince would not automatically employ workers from PT Engineering and Silcar. ``They are saying they will advertise the positions but there is no reason why (existing workers) shouldn't be picked up by them,'' Mr Solly said. ``But even if they don't employ 10 per cent, that will potentially impact six families.'' Electrical Trades Union south-west organiser Danny Timmers said the union would work with Keppel Prince to try and safeguard existing jobs. Portland Aluminium operations manager John Osborne said the company aimed to slash 10 to 15 per cent of its costs at the Portland plant. ``After a rigorous review of our contract structure, we have made decisions that will ensure that we are sustainable into the future,'' he said. ``We will be working with the contractors involved to ensure the transfer of responsibilities has minimal impact on our operations.'' Keppel Prince general manager Steve Garner was unavailable for comment yesterday.