Thread for Geelong Ford workers

[gs1973]

Originally Posted by bob^

I work there, my brother works there, so does my father. My job is guaranteed until the end of 2010 as that is when my apprenticeship finishes.

This isn't the end of the world, but if you listen to the media it is the death of Ford and Geelong. Jobs aren't lost, no one has been sacked.

People have THREE years to get themselves sorted out, as opposed to other industries where people have turned up to work and found the gates locked and out of a job.
Many people will get relocated, and many will take redundancy packages.

The thing we have to remember, Ford isn't a charity, it is a business, a business that doesn't seem to be going that great at the moment. Sure they can keep engine plant running, and keep using the I6, but then what? Things get too tough and the whole company in Australia shuts its doors for good?

The media will be the death of this company though if it keeps going. So many reports about 600 workers sacked, which is far from the truth. It will hurt the sales figures right about now...

Well said young fella! It's good to see someone with some sense.

[Nostalgia]

[QUOTE=Neeek]Lordy, what a post! And what an avatar!

Yes, it's a shame that the plant will close. Yes, it's a shame that Falcons will be powered by a V rather than a straight six.

As others have said, 3 years is a long time. And that's plenty of time to find alternative employment. If you can't find another job in three bloody years, then something's seriously wrong or you're a deadbeat.

Feel passionately about Fords having straight sixes? Buy one now and keep a hold of it.

Want to complain about your involuntary redundency that's 36 months away? You have the right to whinge if your job is ending now and you're being paid out tomorrow, but otherwise just shut up and get over it. Factory worker, potato picker or managing director, 3 years is a massively long notice period. 3 MONTHS is long enough.

The world will always keep spinning, politicians will always lie and you'll still always have to pay taxes. Spare me the "woe is me/them/Ford" crap.
Spot on matey. Back in April we were stood down on pay day for two weeks. Went back to work for 3 months and then out on our asses. Couldnt have said it better myself.

[AMT]

Well i gone too in 2010 if i carnt get absorbed into the rest of fords...... :

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by nhanst

Well i gone too in 2010 if i carnt get absorbed into the rest of fords...... :

AHHHHHHHHHH that annoys me, is it a local thing? There is no "s" in Ford! :

Im assuming that if Ford cannot give these people jobs they will help them find something else before the 3 years is over?

[AMT]

Originally Posted by Polyal

AHHHHHHHHHH that annoys me, is it a local thing? There is no "s" in Ford! :

Im assuming that if Ford cannot give these people jobs they will help them find something else before the 3 years is over?

Ahh ok bite me..!!!!!!

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by nhanst

Ahh ok bite me..!!!!!!

Only if you pronounce your employers name correctly, I might have a nibble.

It was a joke...jeez

[Laminge]

Falcon Freak

Any reason why you started this thread and then haven't bothered to add to the discussion, is it maybe that your initial post is misguided, or just ludicrous?

[xertia]

//Warning: post may contain low-level ranting

Well, this is the reality of manufacturing in Australia. I work in a factory thats just "merged" (read "been taken over") with a massive German company and us workers have all known for some time now that all our jobs are on the line if we don't pull our heads in and improve quality/yield. Fact is all these companies need to appease the shareholders via massive profits, which can not be delivered as effectively with an Aussie workforce, we just get paid too much (cough cough yeah it sounds like BS) compared to other manufacturing workers in other countries. Now I hate little Johnnie Howard as much as the next bloke, but you can understand why he wants to give a little more leverage back onto big business with pay rates etc. It happened in America, and its happening here. Pretty soon we'll have to start using the term "working poor" as well, which I don't like the sound of at all... hmm where was I? ;) Oh yeah, so as I was saying, your manufacturing operation has to be pretty squeaky clean (ala Toyota) to survive in the long term here in Australia. So its all no surprise to me.

[Falcon Freak]

Originally Posted by Laminge

Falcon Freak

Any reason why you started this thread and then haven't bothered to add to the discussion, is it maybe that your initial post is misguided, or just ludicrous?

Two reasons:

1. I don't work for Ford Geelong.
2. Some of us are too busy during the day to spend time surfing the internet.

Does that answer your question?

FF

[MeestaNob!]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

Not an employee but I'll say that your avatar is a vindictive & personal attack on a real individual you don't know personally nor do you know his nor FoA's REAL predicament..

IMO it is unacceptable.

I think you're being a little dramatic too, to be honest.

[rodderz]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Two reasons:

1. I don't work for Ford Geelong.
2. Some of us are too busy during the day to spend time surfing the internet.

Does that answer your question?

FF

Maybe also that you dont know the full story either, or that you jumped to a conclusion as quick as what the media do

[Falcon Freak]

Originally Posted by rodderz

Maybe also that you dont know the full story either, or that you jumped to a conclusion as quick as what the media do

The only people who know the full story are the directors of the Ford Motor Company. I am not privelaged enough to occupy such lofty positions. However I am not jumping to any conclusions either.

FF

[rodderz]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

The only people who know the full story are the directors of the Ford Motor Company. I am not privelaged enough to occupy such lofty positions. However I am not jumping to any conclusions either.

FF

It seems you may have contradicted yourself here- you admit you don't know the full story, yet you say you're not jumping to conclusions and you write in your sig that this is the beginning of the end and you have a big cross on the president of the company in question.

If swapping to a V6 in 2010 and announcing that this will ensure Ford's future in the country will continue for years to come, I see your point in how this is the beginning of the end :togo:

[Chilliman]

The V6 has been on the cards for a long time. I remember reading about a V6 power Falcon back in the early 90s - in Wheels I think. I'm actually surprised the inlines lasted this long - it should be somehing Ford Aus are proud of. I've also got a gut feeling that an announcement of a small car assembly line isn't too far away either.

Look I am sad to say goodbye to the I6, it's been one of my favourite motors, and I'm sorry for the job losses but in todays world the only job security is knowing that there is no job security and being prepared to adapt and take up the next challenge

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

The only people who know the full story are the directors of the Ford Motor Company. I am not privelaged enough to occupy such lofty positions. However I am not jumping to any conclusions either.

FF

Very contradictory attitude there FalconFreak!

ok you are not privileged enough to occupy such lofty positions and you are not jumping to any conclusions, yet you can become a Ford Hater and deface the Ford logo and President in the blink of an eye... that's logical
_

[Unco]

i don't think that any sensible person holding a job these days could be so naive to think that his/her job is guaranteed for the next 3 years. there are no guarantees in life.

so what's the difference? NONE!

should we all take such uncertainty into account at the next elections? give me a break.

[[Tonko]]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Two reasons:

1. I don't work for Ford Geelong.
2. Some of us are too busy during the day to spend time surfing the internet.


FF

And yet you are still on here at 10:50pm....
What did you expect to happen?
The media (as usual) have blown everything out of proportion, especially time-scale wise.
I guess you watch alot of Today tonight and 60 minutes aswell?

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Unco

i don't think that any sensible person holding a job these days could be so naive to think that his/her job is guaranteed for the next 3 years. there are no guarantees in life.

so what's the difference? NONE!

should we all take such uncertainty into account at the next elections? give me a break.

I completely agree....

But... it's going to be a very tough time for many employees down at Geelong. There will be many who have worked there for most of their working careers, it's their second home and they are likely to have settled into their roles and not really expanded on their skills base because there was never a requirement to do so. I also doubt that career planning, applying for new roles, extending their skills and going through any competitive process has ever been required by many of them. So from this point of view, i really do feel for these guys and girls that will now suddenly feel alone, abandoned, and with an uncertain future... I hope Ford give them every opportunity to skill them up and provide them the support that they will need, then they just need to take it, and most if not all, will be fine!

[dillza_69]

hmmmm lots of anger in this thread!

I have to be carefull what i say here becasue i know this forum gets watched

I work in the engine plant as an apprentice sparky, the closure wont effect me as i am only in engine plant on rotations and my "home" area is in stamping. In the last few days some people have been pretty low which is undertsandable but most dont give a poo, they have 3 years to find another job and they will get a payout after the three years.

All i will say is its not as bad as what the media make it out to be but isnt that always the case?


(A v6 requires alot of balancing before it can be used in a RWD application)

[Pumpit]

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

IMO it is unacceptable.

He is a seppo, so it's alright :P

[Tles]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Any Ford Geelong employees on this forum? I am interested to hear your thoughts/concerns about yesterday's announcement.

I am also interested to hear whether this issue will affect your vote for the upcoming federal election.

FF

Fair comment, at least your showing some concern - copping a ribbing for it, unfairly too. Funny how many of those who were mourning the impending loss, oh no how could they are now crowd surfing the 'the V6 sounds cool was inevitable pity but life goes on' wave. Politics is such an easy game like crowd control.
My vote will always remain the same, every election race should be called neck and neck to the line so they have to earn their keep and try damn hard to find real answers, not hollow promises and buckets of bandaids - competition is the enemy of complacency.
The I6 is an outstanding engine and will be missed. Ford internationally have their best chance to create something special right now. Outstanding product will, and should have always, lead the way. Everything in the automotive world will change more in these five years than the last twenty.

I feel that the announcement shows both the power of the media and the global direction for Ford. There has to be more to the story, but Gorman was forced to announce the bad early - hopefully there's good news not too far away.

[[Tonko]]

I would like to ask though, as a person with nearly Zero interest in politics:
But the question was raised about voting...
What the hell does the closing of an engine plant have to do with which monkey im supposed to vote for?


just a querie...

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by TonkoXR8

I would like to ask though, as a person with nearly Zero interest in politics:
But the question was raised about voting...
What the hell does the closing of an engine plant have to do with which monkey im supposed to vote for?


just a querie...

Didly sqwat IMO.

If I was Johnnie id be asking for my grant back. Stuff them, the money was meant to help the I6 with emissions etc, and now no engine.

[schmidty]

I'd love to know what falcon freak drives. Anyone know? Quite a few on here who say how they're so disappointed that the I6 is over, and it's the beginning of the end of the falcon, and blah blah blah blah blah, but how many of these knockers have actually put their wallet where their mouth is and bought the local product new, and supported the brand and the specific product they claim to love and be so distraught over. Or will it just mean that its a tragedy that in 2020 when you try to pick up a cheap second hand 2011 model falcon you'll be stuck with a V6?

The corporate accountants push for changes in direction based on numbers. Its entirely a numbers game. If the I6 is soaking up resources and finances that in the best long term interests of the customer and the company would be better channeled down other avenues then thats what they'll do. They dont give 2 hoots that you like some low down torque taking off from the lights with a loaded trailer on your 6 monthly trip to the tip. They care about remaining at the competitive edge of the market, with a product that best suits the needs of the target buyer.

I dont care what anyone says, Holden, like it or hate it, did a pretty good job at giving the customer what the customer wanted with the VE, and an even better job marketing it. I know many people, women in particular who were chilled watching the adds demonstrating the difference that the DSC made in the safety of a Commodore in an emergency situation. Many didnt even bother to find out that it was available in the Falcon, but holden did a great job creating some hype and giving the illusion of superiority in the safety department. Holdens marketing department are definately earning their pay cheque.

The majority of Falcon new car sales in Australia are surely fleet and government buyers. And what do they most care about? Reliability, economical running, and a large factor is resale. They dont care if it's an I6 or a V6 as long as the numbers stack up. I remember when the AU was released and a bloke i know was due for an update on his lease car, went and enquired about an AU and got pricing as he wanted to support local business and a local product. Found out that price wise he could get a VT2 supercharged 6 calais for the same price per month as a base model Forte. The price difference was almost entirely explained by the poor resale of the AU. Fleets dont care about brand loyalty, they care about the numbers.

For every buyer who's heart broken about the I6 being given the shove, there's probably 200 who will never even look under their bonnet, let alone care weather its a I or a V.

[[Tonko]]

Who mentioned re-sale? i scanned this thread again, (was just trying to read that 20 page rant on the same crap)
Personally, for me, the shitty resale is good... I doubt i will ever buy a car brand spanking new anyway...
Im glad that i could get an AU LTD for 14k at the moment....
top work,
*throws the suit on and waits for serious flamage*

[schmidty]

Originally Posted by TonkoXR8

Who mentioned re-sale? i scanned this thread again, (was just trying to read that 20 page rant on the same crap)
Personally, for me, the shitty resale is good... I doubt i will ever buy a car brand spanking new anyway...
Im glad that i could get an AU LTD for 14k at the moment....
top work,
*throws the suit on and waits for serious flamage*

I mentioned it.

And that is the reason i see why many of the whingers can't have their cake and eat it too. Can't crack the shiiiiz that Ford arent offering the car they want or the engine they want or whatever if they aren't prepared to buy and back the thing.

[Laminge]

Originally Posted by Falcon Freak

Two reasons:

1. I don't work for Ford Geelong.
2. Some of us are too busy during the day to spend time surfing the internet.

Does that answer your question?

FF

Nope, but I really didnt expect it too either

[agony]

[QUOTE=EAadam]

Originally Posted by Neeek

As others have said, 3 years is a long time. And that's plenty of time to find alternative employment. If you can't find another job in three bloody years, then something's seriously wrong or you're a deadbeat.


Want to complain about your involuntary redundency that's 36 months away? You have the right to whinge if your job is ending now and you're being paid out tomorrow, but otherwise just shut up and get over it. Factory worker, potato picker or managing director, 3 years is a massively long notice period. 3 MONTHS is long enough.

Spot on EAadam.
Told that far in advanced that they are closing down and will be paid out a redundency package. What is there to whinge about??
They could have told them on the way out the door tonight that there is no job Monday and also no money, like other places have.

[Type40]

Originally Posted by Laminge

Falcon Freak

Any reason why you started this thread and then haven't bothered to add to the discussion, is it maybe that your initial post is misguided, or just ludicrous?

One reason he starts threads like this is because he is a perpetual stirrer. As mentioned by DaveAU he did this sort of thing on AMC till he got the big boot. I wouldnt take too much notice, he likes to load the load the gun and let everyone else fire the bullets. out:

[buickman]

Originally Posted by bob^

I work there, my brother works there, so does my father. My job is guaranteed until the end of 2010 as that is when my apprenticeship finishes.

This isn't the end of the world, but if you listen to the media it is the death of Ford and Geelong. Jobs aren't lost, no one has been sacked.

People have THREE years to get themselves sorted out, as opposed to other industries where people have turned up to work and found the gates locked and out of a job.
Many people will get relocated, and many will take redundancy packages.

The thing we have to remember, Ford isn't a charity, it is a business, a business that doesn't seem to be going that great at the moment. Sure they can keep engine plant running, and keep using the I6, but then what? Things get too tough and the whole company in Australia shuts its doors for good?

The media will be the death of this company though if it keeps going. So many reports about 600 workers sacked, which is far from the truth. It will hurt the sales figures right about now...

I'am with other posters reply's on your post agreeing. Three years is a long time & nothing is guarranted in life. Its the media interviewing the one's that are sooking up & making a big issue out of it.
Ford will look after them with all entitelments payed. More than others have received from their employers plus I would gather they will help with personel development courses before they go & help with career summaries(CV's).
Fords a bussiness & not a charity.
In my personel life I got marched out with many others from Pacific Dunlop after 28 years but they gave us very good redundency's & the current company I'am with now is moving & I've got a job until early next year but still getting a pay out. As long as you have your health you get on with life