Mr Varga, of Fairy Meadow, began at the plant as an apprentice airconditioning mechanic at the age of 16. Now 46, the steelworks is the only workplace he has ever known.

"Everyone is just so down and out about it. There's so much doubt. We're all thinking about our jobs, and where we draw the line. It's disheartening," he said.

"My 17-year-old is trying to get into the workforce. I might be going against him for a job."

Mr Varga works in slab handling, dealing directly with steel manufactured at Port Kembla. His job potentially would be among those to be shed if steel was imported.

"Trying to get back on the job market and selling yourself is hard," he said.

"We're all in our 40s, and will have to sell ourselves against school-leavers. It's not good."

He said he tried not to bring the uncertainty and sadness home with him, but was worried about providing for his young family if steel production ceased in the Illawarra.

"I don't want to get the kids worried, but the mood is sombre. The reality is I could be out of a job," he said.

"I'll be competing against thousands of other steelworkers trying to find new jobs. The Illawarra won't be able to absorb all those job seekers.

"We'll have to travel for work, especially the ones without a second skill," he said.

The South Coast Labour Council is gearing up for "the most important campaign since 1982" to keep jobs in the Illawarra as uncertainty looms over the future of local BlueScope steel operations.

News BlueScope is looking to engage in huge cost-cutting, including importing steel rather than producing it at Port Kembla, has shaken the Illawarra. Now, the region's peak trade union body is preparing a campaign the size of which has not been seen for 30 years, since BHP decided to close the steelworks only to reverse its decision after huge public outcry.

"We have no choice but to fight for the future of our region. There won't be anyone who won't be affected in the worst case scenario of a steel shutdown," said SCLC secretary Arthur Rorris.

"People need to know the effects will be catastrophic. It's not just about steel jobs, it's about every job. Our industries and economy are all interdependent."

"If you take out such a large slice of the economy, you'll plunge the Illawarra into a deep recession."

Mr Rorris said unions were rallying troops to mount the offensive, with plans for an enormous campaign on social media, in the streets, and in the halls of government. Unions will hold meetings with local politicians to brief them on the effects of a steel shutdown, and push them to fight to keep jobs.

"We need to make sure they understand what's at stake, and put the heat on the company and the government to support people who elected them," he said.

Mr Rorris said one prong of the attack was to push for legislation to mandate a certain percentage of steel used in government projects must come from domestic sources. He said countries like the United States already had such rules, greatly supporting local steel mills.

"The government builds rail, roads and infrastructure. It's absurd we overlook domestic steel. That's critical, the demand for steel that we can control," he said.

"Why shouldn't taxpayers have the discretion to say domestic demand should be met with domestic steel? It's not only logical, its the way of the world."

Mr Rorris said the campaign would launch soon.