Urgent action needed to save 500 jobs as Anglesey Aluminium Metal
threaten closure, warns Unite
15 January 2009
Anglesey Aluminium Metal Limited (AAML) faces an uncertain
future with the imminent closure of the Wylfa Nuclear Power
Station, the sole provider of electricity for the plant. The move
places 500 jobs at risk, warns Unite, Wales' leading union.
Unite is concerned that having failed to secure a deal to supply
electricity, AAML is set to turn off the smelter at the plant in
September this year, which will see 500 jobs go and deliver another
major jobs blow to Wales during the economic crisis.
Andy Richards, Unite Regional Secretary has written to ministers
and the Welsh assembly for urgent talks with Unite, he said: “AAML
has been a cornerstone of the Anglesey economy for thirty
years. Closure as a result of the loss of the power contract
would mean the further loss of over 500 jobs, the vast majority
being Unite members.
"The origins of this worrying news about Anglesey Aluminium
pre-date the current economic crisis, which is why Unite has been
calling for the Government to make the important decisions needed
on energy supply for years. The procrastination over Wylfa means we
are now looking at the probable closure of Anglesey Aluminium,
which would be catastrophic for Anglesey and Wales. We must move
mountains to avoid this disaster.
“Today, I am calling upon the Welsh Assembly Government to
convene a crisis meeting with all interested parties. It is
vital that everything is done to find a solution to keep Anglesey
Aluminium a viable business”.
ENDS
For further information contact Mark Di-Toro in the Unite press
office on 0207 420 8938 or 07918 640 579 or Andy Richards on
07970785470
