Tell Woolies to fill up on Aussie fuel – union

WORKERS have started a campaign to save 700 jobs at Caltex’s petrol refinery at Kurnell in Sydney.

Australian Workers’ Union national secretary, Paul Howes, says the Tell Woolworths campaign aims to convince the supermarket giant to sell Australian-refined fuel at its Woolworths/Caltex co-branded supermarkets

“The Caltex refinery is an important part of Australia’s energy security infrastructure,” Mr Howes says in a statement.

“If we’re not refining at least some of our fuel locally, then we are more exposed to cost rises from overseas suppliers.

“Retaining a local manufacturing presence would give Caltex greater flexibility, and would be an important safeguard for motorists should there be a spike in the cost of imported fuel.”

Mr Howes says Caltex has a retail alliance with Australian supermarket giant Woolworths, with more than 550 co-branded Caltex Woolworths and Caltex

“Given that Woolworths has such a close relationship with Caltex, it’s time that Woolies put its foot down and demanded that Caltex continue selling Australian fuel in their co-branded servos,” he says.

“By filling up on Aussie fuel, Woolworths can help save 700 jobs at Kurnell, and ensure that we retain our national petrol refining capacity.”

Mr Howes says he expects Woolworths to respond positively to the campaign to save jobs at the Kurnell refinery.

“Woolworths has invested millions into a national marketing campaign based on its commitment to local suppliers and local jobs,” he says.

“If Woolworths is serious about using Australian suppliers then it will it make sure its petrol stations fill up on Aussie fuel into the future.”

Shoppers and motorists can tell the CEO of Woolworths to fill up on Aussie fuel by going to www.tellwoolworths.org.