Calls for bipartisan mission to US to save Caterpillar jobs

Labor leader Bryan Green today offered to join Premier Will Hodgman on a trade mission to the United States in an attempt to shore up jobs at Caterpillar in Burnie.

“It is encouraging news that Caterpillar has not yet made a decision to relocate its distribution operations to Thailand and we must do everything we can to prevent it happening,” Mr Green said.

“I’m prepared to pay to get there and stand with the Premier to fight for these jobs.

“Not only should we strive to protect the distribution jobs, but to keep the 280 jobs at Caterpillar’s high value and profitable manufacturing operation in Burnie.

Mr Green said a report by the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education highlighted the critical importance of Caterpillar to the North-West Coast.

“I am disappointed Mr Hodgman has not immediately committed to meeting Caterpillar face to face because there is simply no time to lose.

“Making a couple of phone calls and being fobbed off is not good enough.

“The Government must no longer sit on its hands in response to Caterpillar’s illogical decision to move its operations to Thailand.

“The report reinforced that manufacturing is by far the North-West’s largest employer, providing over 5000 jobs.

“More than 20 companies identified Caterpillar as a key customer with a large number of them revealing that CAT represented more than half their business.

“One company said CAT staying in the region was critical to its business.”
Bryan Green MP Labor Leader