Australian submarine and shipbuilding company ASC has announced a major restructure of its operations as part of a drive to reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiencies.
Under the restructure, 65 white and blue collar staff associated with ASC’s Collins Class submarine through-life support program had their employment terminated earlier today, with 21 contractors also being released.
Another 35 submarine staff will be offered the opportunity to transfer to ASC’s shipbuilding business to meet the needs of the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Program.
Staff were informed of the restructure this morning. After the restructure, ASC’s submarine workforce now numbers 950, while its AWD workforce is approximately 300. ASC will still require another approximately 500 people over the next four years to work on the AWD Program.
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Graeme Bulmer said the reduction of employee numbers was regrettable.
“It is an unfortunate course of action to have to take and we are concerned for those affected and their families,” he said.
“On behalf of the company I wish to thank those employees and contractors who have been directly affected by this restructure for their contribution.
“We have provided generous redundancy packages to those employees, and also offered an outplacement support service to enhance their opportunity of obtaining further employment.
“Wherever possible we have tried to relocate staff to our shipbuilding business, but unfortunately this has not been achievable in all cases.”
Mr Bulmer said the reduction in employee and contractor numbers would in no way compromise the safety of the Collins Class submarines and those who serve or work on them.
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For more information:
Ben Osborne, Corporate Communications Manager
ASC Pty Ltd
Telephone: 08 8348 7000
Mobile: 0412 251 390
Email:
ben.osborne@asc.com.au 
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