The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) says it shares the concerns of the Australian Workers Union about the need for adequate compensation to protect existing jobs, but is equally concerned that there be enough investment to create new jobs in clean technology industries.

AMWU National Secretary, Dave Oliver, said doing nothing about climate change would guarantee job losses, and the union fully supported the government’s move to put a price on carbon.

“Doing nothing is not an option. The debate is about how much compensation for industry, how much compensation for households, and how much is spent on government programs to attract investment to make sure Australia gets its share of the $6 trillion global clean technology sector.

“Today’s jobs are important, but so are the jobs we have in the future.

Mr Oliver said “The government has a process with business and NGO’s, including unions, where we are sorting out the right balance between compensation and investment. Most of the money from the carbon tax is going to compensation and we are comfortable that we will get a result from the process that protects existing jobs.

“Nonetheless, the name of the game is about ensuring Australia is a global leader in clean technology so we can get a positive outcome for jobs in the future.

“If we create industries in this country that help reduce pollution, we stand to create many thousands of new jobs and benefit from the challenges of climate change.