4GT update

[Bob <gioia@fastlink.com.au>]

Yesterday it was announced that ABB had been ruled out as a contender
for the 4GT project by the State Government. No reason was given as to
why but this now leaves tow companies bidding for the contract these
being Gonninans and Clyde. Worth mentioning is that there is a clause in
the tendering agreement that instructs any bidder from making public
comment until after the successful bidder is announced. Gonninans have
for some weeks now been making threats to sack thousands of people if
they don't get the contract. In a Newcastle Herald article yesterday
Gonninans continued to make threats but the Clyde spokesman simply said
that they were not allowed to make any comments. Also last Saturday
Clyde advertised managerial jobs at Cardiff for the 4GT and it seems
that these jobs are conditional should they get the contract. One thing
for sure is that any layoffs at Gonninans would be absorbed by the new
recruits at Clyde. It will be interesting to see what the final outcome
on this will be.
Bob