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Future Subs builder signs MoU with trade unions

naval group mou

Designer and builder of Australia’s 12 Future Submarines Naval Group Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, the Australian Workers’ Union, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, and Professionals Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the PACIFIC 2017 naval conference in Sydney. 

Designer and builder of Australia’s 12 Future Submarines Naval Group Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, the Australian Workers’ Union, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, and Professionals Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the PACIFIC 2017 naval conference in Sydney. 

The MoU outlines the partnership principles that will govern how the parties will work together to deliver the future submarine capability for the Royal Australian Navy on time and on budget.

A statement from Naval Group said the organisations will engage in open discussions to identify opportunities relating to the planning, development and delivery of the Future Submarine Program (FSP), while developing, extending and protecting the Australian workforce.

“Naval Group is committed to establishing an enduring, productive and globally competitive workplace relations framework that will form the basis for our Future Submarine operations in Australia," said Brent Clark, interim chief executive of Naval Group Australia.

"The construction of the Future Submarines in Australia will create a sustainable maritime industry, bolster the Australian economy for generations to come and create certainty for the many hundreds of Australian suppliers who will be involved in the FSP."

The MoU also outlines how Naval Group will consult with unions, universities, TAFE and registered training organisations to develop the skills of the workforce required for the program, which is expected to create 2,900 Australian jobs.

Naval Group (formerly DCNS) was awarded the contract for the 12 Future Submarines last year, beating out bids from Germany and Japan.

Construction of the submarines will take place in Adelaide and will begin in 2021-22. Construction will extend into the late 2040s to 2050 timeframe.