Holden departures all voluntary

There will be no forced redundancies at Holden, after 400 workers accepted voluntary redundancies. Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union state secretary John Camillo said the workers would finish at the car manufacturer's Elizabeth plant on Friday.

Mr Camillo said more than 500 workers had put up their hands to take a separation package. “My understanding is that 400 people will now be leaving…Their last day will be July 26,” he said.

“I'm quite satisfied that no one will need to be forced out the door.” Most of those who took a voluntary separation package were in production but some were white collar workers, Mr Camillo said.

They will receive a payment of four weeks' wages plus three and half weeks' pay for every year of service. The future of Holden remains in doubt. It is expected to finalise its business plan in September.