Alcoa workers offered Middle East jobs

 

 

It comes as the multinational is reviewing the viability of its Point Henry plant, and the jobs of the 600 workers there, with a final decision on whether it will close due in June.

 

 

Alcoa has been in talks with Premier Ted Baillieu and Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet about the plant.

 

 

The metals giant is offering up to $163,200 a year tax-free pay, $27,500 a year travel expenses plus free accommodation to help set up the Ras al Khair smelter in Saudi Arabia.

 

 

Workers would take home more than $3100 a week, before the travel perks, compared with $1400 a week at Geelong after tax.

 

 

Alcoa has promised the new Saudi Arabian smelter will be the world's cheapest and most efficient producer of aluminium.

 

 

At least one manager is currently in Saudi Arabia with his wife on a "pre-commitment" tour.

 

 

A source told the Herald Sun many workers were seriously considering the offer.

 

 

"They are heeding the warning of the review," the source said.

 

 

"A few years in Saudi and they could be set up for life."

 

 

Alcoa's new aluminium smelter and rolling mill, being built with Saudi mining company Ma'aden, will be online next year.

 

 

Australian Workers Union state secretary Cesar Melhem said he hoped the offer was not used to set up a cut-price rival at the expense of the Geelong plant.

 

 

"If that is proven to be the case, that will be a complete betrayal to their workforce in Victoria, but I am hoping that is not the case," he said.

 

 

An Alcoa spokeswoman confirmed a manager was touring Saudi Arabia but said workers' pay deals were different and confidential.

 

 

"Alcoa is presenting opportunities for employees from all over the world to help build and commission the new mining, refining, smelting and aluminium rolling facilities in Saudi Arabia," she said.

 

 

A spokesman for Mr Combet declined to comment last night.