A landmark worker transfer scheme for retrenched Hazelwood workers that will ensure high-skilled jobs stay in the Latrobe Valley is one step closer. Today workers were updated on the scheme, and progress on the Latrobe Valley Worker Transfer Partnership Agreement.
Latrobe Valley unions and AGL have now given in-principle agreement to the scheme, which will open opportunities for Hazelwood workers to transfer to Loy Yang A.
Under the agreement, early retirement packages would create vacancies for workers displaced by the closure of Hazelwood.
The scheme will contribute funds to participating employers to support these packages and facilitate the re-deployment of Hazelwood workers to other power stations.
A funding agreement between the Government and the relevant parties is currently being developed.
Former Federal Minister Simon Crean was appointed by the Government to act as a facilitator between the unions and employers at all four generators and mines. As a former Federal Minister for Regional Development, Mr Crean has a strong track-record in the Latrobe Valley and has been instrumental in facilitating these discussions.
The worker transfer scheme is part of the Government’s $266 million support package to stimulate economic growth in the Latrobe Valley.