The members of the Engineering Employers Association South Australia (EEASA) have voted “overwhelmingly” in support of a merger with the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), allowing EEASA members more access to industry services and expertise, Ai Group says.
Ninety-five per cent of the EEASA members who participated in the Australian Electoral Commission ballot voted in favour of the merger, with almost half of EEASA’s eligible voting members taking part in the ballot.
“The ballot demonstrated enormous support for Ai Group and what the organisation can do for South Australian industry,” EEASA director Stephen Myatt said.
“The merger will provide EEASA members, and indeed a wider range of industry in South Australia, with new opportunities in services and expertise.
“EEASA and Ai Group are now in discussion with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) to determine a start date for the new arrangements and the establishment of an Ai Group SA Branch.”
Ai Group chief executive, Heather Ridout, said that the “overwhelming endorsement” of the merger proposal is a very positive outcome for industry in South Australia and an historic development for the two organisations.
“It will give EEASA members greater access to the specialist advice, resources and national presence of Ai Group while maintaining a strong South Australian voice as the Ai Group SA Branch,” she said.
Ai Group has offices and affiliates across metropolitan and regional Australia. Its member businesses employ around 750,000 staff in a range of industry sectors including: manufacturing, engineering, construction, defence, ICT, call centres, labour hire, transport, logistics, utilities, infrastructure, environmental products and services and business services — all of which EEASA will now gain access to.