"Holden has a special case to answer. For years it, like Ford, has been signing up to self-destructive union industrial relations agreements. The agreements have been happening for a decade or more. The issue has not been pay rates. Instead, agreements progressively have stripped away the capacity of managers to manage their business.
Typical car manufacturing agreements have prevented the use of robotics or outsourcing without union approval. Casuals are not allowed. Any contractors have to come from a union-approved list. Changes to production require union approval.
Changes to shift arrangements involve bureaucratic union processes. Union delegates are allowed 12 months' leave for union training.
These management restrictions have nothing to do with workers' rights. Car manufacturing workers are paid well. Instead, the agreements shift critical areas of control of the business from management to unions. The unions exercise this power without accountability."
