AuBJ — January 27 — Toyota’s decision to make 350 workers redundant at its Altona factory in Victoria has been branded “unacceptable” by the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU).

Ian Jones, AMWU secretary — vehicle division, said that the ‘enforced redundancies’ were against standard practice in the automotive industry.

“Toyota seems to have this view about compulsory redundancies which we are going to have to dissuade them from,” said Jones.

“We haven’t had compulsory redundancies in the car industry in this country for two decades (other than a planned closure).

“We’re simply saying the enterprise agreement provides for voluntary, and it also provides for compulsory,” he added.

Toyota has already refused a government bailout designed to prop-up its struggling manufacturing operations in Australia.

“You’d think voluntary [redundancies] would be the first step, and then compulsory would be a step you may move to if you don’t get the requisite numbers under voluntary,” remarked Jones.