December 2007
Question marks over miners' safety yet again
A team of Australian Workers’ Union officials has gone to Fosterville Gold Mine near Bendigo, Victoria, to begin safety investigation into an underground explosion at the mine which resulted in 12 workers requiring hospital attention.
PM Rudd salutes unions at Bernie Banton funeral
Australia's newly elected Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, today praised the role and importance of the trade union movement in Australian society.
BHP caught trying to bribe Australian workers onto AWAs
BHP Billiton has joined the list of renegade employers trying to extend John Howard's WorkChoice laws by bribing workers to sign five year AWAs, AWU national secretary, Paul Howes, asked today.
Face of the AWU on Facebook
The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) is set to become more visible on the web with a new Facebook application launched today.
More people working Xmas Day, New Years Day than ever before
For thousands of Australian Workers' Union (AWU) members - in manufacturing plants, the resources industry, contract work and the health and hospitality industries - Christmas Day and New Year's Day will be just like the other 364 days of the year.
Qantas must not hurt 5000 Australian maintenance and engineering families
The AWU has been assured that Qantas’ announcement of a new joint venture with Malaysia Airlines will not have any impact on the more than 5000 Australian workers and their families who are involved in local Qantas engineering and maintenance operations.
Newcastle’s skilled workforce hurt hard on Xmas eve
Well paid highly skilled Australian workers are about to lose their jobs in the Newcastle area because Federal and State governments are just not prepared to step up and support our manufacturing industries – the AWU said today.
Libs must accept responsibility for WorkChoices disaster: new figures on AWAs
Liberal leader Brendan Nelson and Shadow Minister for Workplace Relations Julie Bishop must accept that WorkChoices was a disaster with new figures from the Workplace Authority showing the so-called fairness test and AWA individual contracts are continuing to fail thousands of workers.
Peace and festive holidays to all
The AWU National Executive would like to thank all our activists and members for their hard work in 2007 - and send our best wishes to everyone at this festive time of the year.
Co-operation between AWU and Beaconsfield key to mine safety
The AWU believes the new Beaconsfield mine management is much more co-operative than the previous management, the union said today as management announced the resumption of full production.
Rogue bosses warned not to undermine Rudd Labor's workplace mandate
Bosses who want to undermine the Rudd Labor government's plans to phase out AWAs will not be tolerated.
Hardy Wines leave sour taste in mouths of workers
Hardy Wines was acting worse than the Grinch at Christmas in denying its Buronga winery workers fair compensation for losing their jobs next year, the Australian Workers’ Union said today.
Cardinal Pell says strong unions are vital to our prosperity
Australia's most influential Catholic leader believes strong unions are vital to the prosperity of our nation.
New unfair dismissal laws vital for fair workplaces: Lib 'extremism' must end
The Liberal Party should accept that Australians have rejected their extreme approach to industrial relations and support Labor's plan for new laws that will scrap Work Choices and restore protection from unfair dismissal for Australian workers.
November 2007
Farmers Fed uses WorkChoice laws to fleece shearers
More than 100,000 workers in the Australian pastoral industry could have their wages cut because of complications caused by the WorkChoice laws, and the Howard Government’s Australian Fair Pay Commission.
Nationals rob hope and decency from working families in the Bush
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mark Vaile's attack on The Australian Workers' Union shows how much the Nationals have adopted a lock-step, follow-the-leader policy stance with the Liberals - rather than an independent stance in support of regional Australia.
Let's have no more limbs lost - AWU members tell Melbourne paper
Two brave AWU members Gerald Wilkie and Alan Newey have spoken openly about the trauma of losing their right arms in industrial incidents.
Howard Gvt deregulation of mine safety threatens lives of Australian families
News of the safe and rapid rescue this morning of our miners in Ballarat is welcome indeed – Paul Howes of the Australian Workers Union (AWU) said.
New union TV ad highlights importance of preventing Liberals going further on IR
Unions will today launch a new TV advertisement that highlights the importance to working families of preventing John Howard and Peter Costello going further on Work Choices after the election.
AWU National Office Audited Account
AWU members can download the Audited Accounts of The Australian Workers' Union, National Office below for year ending 30 June 2007.
Bill Shorten farewells AWU members
Bill Shorten - one of the AWU's greatest leaders - has sent a message to our union's 130,000 members, thanking them for the extraordinary support and opportunities he has had over last 14 years in what he describes as as challenging and memorable chapter of his working life.
New national AWU leader calls for co-operative renewal of Australian "fair go "
Australia's oldest and biggest blue-collar union has voted for generational change with Paul Howes, 26, elected as National Secretary after his predecessor, Bill Shorten, was elected on the weekend as part of the Rudd Labor Government.
AWU joins unionists across Australia to pay tribute to Bernie Banton
The whole of the Australian union movement will be deeply saddened bythe news that asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton has passed away.
October 2007
Lifeline Uses Workchoices to Cut Workers Conditions
The Australian Workers' Union National President and Queensland Branch Secretary Bill Ludwig has voiced his dismay following the revelation that Lifeline Community Care Queensland has used the Federal Government's workplace laws to push through a non-union employee collective agreement.
Workers Lose Out At Victorian Golf Course
The Australian Workers' Union will picket an exclusive Victorian golf course until its workers - terminated yesterday with no notice – are reinstated.
WA mine fire stark reminder of mining safety risks
The Australian Workers’ Union was relieved to see all 54 miners at the WA Goldfields Kanowna Belle Gold Mine safely rescued last night after being trapped underground for over six hours.
Across Australia working people are saying No to the Howard Government's IR laws
Have you seen the new TV ad campaign warning that a re-elected Howard/Costello Government will go further with its IR law changes?
John Howard cannot be trusted on industrial relations
John Howard cannot be trusted on industrial relations and there is no doubt the Liberals will take Work Choices further after the election.
September 2007
AWU Welcomes Delivery of Beaconsfield Report
The Australian Workers' Union welcomes the delivery of Mr Greg Melick SC's report into the Beaconsfield Mine collapse and the death of Larry Knight to the Tasmanian Coroner.
200 jobs to go at Alcoa
The loss of nearly 200 jobs at Alcoa over the next year underlines the Federal Government's neglect of industry policy, the Australian Workers' Union says.
August 2007
Remember Workers As Well As Horses
The Australian Workers' Union is calling on the Federal Government and the racing industry to set up an emergency fund for workers suffering extreme financial hardship if the equine flu racing bans are extended beyond a few days.
No Joy For Howard in WorkChoices Survey
The Australian Workers' Union says the survey released by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) shows that even from the employers' viewpoint Work Choices is a dud.
July 2007
Catholic Church comes out against WorkChoices
The Federal Government's Work Choices industrial relations laws are skewed in favour of bosses and should be changed, the Catholic Church said today.
Rural Workers Punished By Wage Decision
The Australian Workers' Union says the Australian Fair Pay Commission's decision to exempt farm businesses which qualify for an exceptional circumstances interest rate subsidy under the existing drought relief arrangements from immediately passing on today's Minimum Wage increase is disappointing and backward looking.
AWU Backs Transport Expansion Plan
The Australian Workers' Union has welcomed the Bracks' Government's $11.5 billion vision for Victoria’s road and rail future, and hopes the Federal Government will deliver the funding the State deserves to turn the vision into reality.
Jockeys forced to miss start of racing season
Tasmanian jockeys are being forced to turn their back on the track and boycott the start of the racing season in August unless the workers' compensation crisis is resolved.
June 2007
Howard Wrong on Fairness Test
In fact, the Government's latest IR changes are much weaker and provide less protection for workers than the previous 'no disadvantage test' which provided access to open hearings by the Industrial Relations Commission as an independent umpire.
Offshore unions crack down on safety and AWAs
Concerns that workers on individual contracts in the offshore industry are being intimidated into accepting unsafe work practices will be addressed by a joint offshore union alliance at a meeting hosted by the WA Branch of the MUA in Fremantle tomorrow.
May 2007
Another Delay For Beaconsfield Inquiry
The Australian Workers' Union is disappointed and unhappy that there is to be a further delay to the inquiry into the Beaconsfield Mine collapse being conducted by Mr Greg Melick SC.
Former AJAX Workers Treated Unfairly Once Again
About 40 former AJAX workers are once again being treated unfairly, with their prospective new employer attempting to coerce them onto unfair Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).
April 2007
Tristar Worker Sacked for Telling Truth
Marty Peek, a worker at Tristar for 35 years, was sacked on Friday because Tristar bosses didn’t like him telling media the truth about the conditions at the company.
No Charges Doesn't Mean No Lessons For Beaconsfield
The Australian Workers' Union notes the decision by the Department of Public Prosecutions in Tasmania not to lay charges following last year's collapse at the Beaconsfield Gold Mine.
March 2007
AWU Condemns Burnett Sawmill Workplace Fatality
The Australian Workers’ Union National President and Queensland Branch Secretary Bill Ludwig has voiced outrage today following the news of a workplace fatality at Burnett Sawmill in Bundaberg.
Qantas Jobs Not Only Danger In Sale
Critical skills shortages within the defence industry will only become worse if the Government allows the sale of Qantas to go ahead without guarantees it will maintain its apprenticeship numbers, the Australian Workers' Union says.
John Howard does not want you to have Your Choice on WorkChoice
Get enrolled before April 16 – if you want to avoid the red-tape hassles Howard has introduced to trip up potential new voters.
February 2007
Shorten Honoured With Life Membership
Australian Workers' Union National Secretary, Mr Bill Shorten, has been honoured with life membership of the Union at the AWU Biennial National Conference.
Environment & Economy Big Issues at AWU National Conference
More than 250 Australian Workers' Union delegates are to debate the key economic and environmental issues confronting Australia at the AWU's 2007 Biennial National Conference.
Beaconsfield Deal Step In Right Direction
The Australian Workers' Union welcomes Beaconsfield Gold NL's (ASX: BCD) announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange that it will bring Allstate out of administration, and provide for 100% of outstanding claims by unsecured creditors.
Split Threatening National Netball Competition - ANPA/AWU
Australia’s elite netballers are concerned about the future of a national competition, following Netball Queensland’s insistence that its players sign inferior contracts.
Tasmanian Jockeys Must Have Compo Cover
With Tasmania's biggest racing week fast approaching, Tasmanian racing authorities need to wake up to the reality of the jockeys' insurance crisis.
Minister Wrong on Cricketers' Contracts
Contrary to the Minister for Workplace Relations comments on the 7.30 Report last night, Ricky Ponting and Brett Lee are not employed under individual agreements.
Insurance Win For Tasmanian Jockeys - AWU
Tasmanian jockeys will decide on Tuesday whether to accept an interim coverage offer by the Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council.
Beaconsfield Delay Disappointing
The Australian Workers' Union is disappointed that the deadline for the report into the Beaconsfield Mine collapse has been extended indefinitely.
January 2007
AWU Calls For Qantas Jobs Guarantee
The Australian Workers' Union remains unconvinced APA's bid to takeover Qantas is in the national interest, but notes APA's letter promising employees "business as usual" if its bid is successful.
Safety Paramount in Beaconsfield Gold's Restructure Plan
The Australian Workers' Union welcomes Beaconsfield Gold NL's (ASX: BCD) announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange that it has reached agreement to become the majority shareholder in Allstate, but cautions safety at the Beaconsfield Gold Mine remains the priority.
Beaconsfield Miners Vote On Macquarie Bank Gift
Beaconsfield Miners on Tuesday advised Macquarie Bank it was their preference that the Bank accepts Beaconsfield Gold NL’s offer to buy the debts from Macquarie Bank.
BHP Billiton Blocks Investigation into Mining Death
AWU National President & Queensland Secretary Bill Ludwig has condemned BHP Billiton's refusal to allow a full independent occupational, health and safety investigation following the death of 19 year old miner, Daniel Hensler, at BHP Billiton's Cannington Mine located east of Mt. Isa in December 2006.
Vote for the AWU website in 10th annual global union competition
AWU members and supporters are encouraged to vote for the AWU website in the 10th annual global union website of the year competition.
Workers' Health Must Come First
The Australian Workers' Union notes commitments by the Minister of Agriculture that diazinon will be phased out, twelve years after the AWU started calling for just that.
National Secretary: Paul Howes