Jobs under threat at Vic uniform maker

More than 80 jobs and the capacity to manufacture defence uniforms on home soil are under threat following a decision to cancel an order with a Melbourne clothing manufacturer.

Workers will protest outside the Workwear Group's Footscray factory on Thursday, calling on the federal government and Defence Minister Kevin Andrews to save their jobs by overturning a decision to cancel its order for Australian Defence Force uniforms.

Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia's national secretary Michele O'Neil says without the order the plant will not survive.

"As a result of this short-sighted decision, 80 Australians will lose their jobs, and manufacturing of Australian defence uniforms is at risk of being moved entirely offshore," Ms O'Neil said in a statement.