December 2004
AWU move to secure 3000 Ion Jobs
The Australian Workers’ Union is seeking urgent talks to secure 3,000 manufacturing jobs after Ion Ltd went into voluntary administration today.
PM should stop Chinese worker importation
The Australian Government should stop a plan to import thousands of Chinese workers to pick fruit in Sunraysia in northern Victoria, the Australian Workers’ Union said today.
Toll Plaza worker threatened with sack for rolling up sleaves
M5 South West Toll Operators Interlink Roads Pty Ltd will today face the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW for issuing a formal warning to a female worker for rolling up the sleaves of her company-issued Polo Shirt.
Construction Giants Forced to Back-Pay Millions to Employees
Construction Giants Abi and Leighton Holdings have today been forced to agree to back-pay millions of dollars to employees on the M7 Orbital Joint Venture project in Sydney’s West, following recommendations handed down by Justice Tricia Kavanagh in the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission this afternoon.
Call for ASIC inquiry on Ion failure
The Australian Workers’ Union is calling for an inquiry by the Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) into the Ion Group of companies that went into administration last week.
Ion Workers Demand Answers
Workers at Ion Ltd’s automotive parts factories are demanding more information from the company’s administrators, directors and bankers over yesterday’s decision to place the company in voluntary administration.
Horror Barge's Worst Safety Record
An unprecedented spate of injuries to workers on the barge building the Bayu-Darwin gas pipeline in the Timor Sea requires urgent government action, The Australian Workers’ Union said today.
Workers Rally at Ion Creditors Meetings
Hundreds of Australian Workers’ Union members from car parts maker Ion will rally in Adelaide (Monday December 13) before attending the first Creditors Meeting since the company went into Voluntary Administration.
November 2004
AWU rejects BlueScope boss's attack
The major union at BlueScope Steel Ltd today strongly rejected an attack by the company’s CEO on the role of unions in the industry.
New website for AWU Aluminium Members
A new website has been launched today to provide information and news to over 12,000 AWU members working the Alumina Industry.
New website for Tassie Workers
The AWU Tasmanina Branch has launched a new website which aims to make communication with the union easier for all current and prospective AWU members.
Stronger Together: A way forward for Australian Workers
The National Executive of The Australian Workers’ Union passed the following resolution on November 4 at its first meeting following the re-election of the Howard Government at the October 9 federal election. It is the blueprint for a new campaign by the union to ensure AWU members are put first.
70 Jobs Go as Smorgon Tube Mill Closes
More than 70 steelworkers will lose their jobs as a result of the closure announced today of Smorgon Steel’s Tube Mill plant at Sunshine in Melbourne’s west. The job losses over the next two months come on top of 55 job cuts at the plant in August.
October 2004
A message from AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten on the Federal Election
The following message from Bill Shorten is for the information of AWU members and their families regarding Saturday's Federal Election.
Big sheep face needle for shearers' safety
The Australian Workers’ Union is supporting the medical sedation of oversized sheep during shearing to reduce the risk of back injuries to shearers.
Howard set for new attack on working conditions
The re-election of the Howard Government allowed a renewed attack on the working conditions of millions of people, The Australian Workers’ Union said today.
First 25km/h speed limit at Victorian road works site
Victorian Government authorities have imposed the State’s first 25-kilometre/hour speed limit at a road works site following 18 months of lobbying by The Australian Workers’ Union.
AWU road workers win safety blitz
The Victorian Government today announced a six-month safety blitz on road work sites across the State after months of campaigning by AWU traffic management workers.
BlueScope AGM gets the workers' message
An unprecedented number of minority shareholders in BlueScope Steel Ltd have defied company recommendations by voting in favour of resolutions put forward by The Australian Workers’ Union at the company’s Annual General Meeting this week (Tuesday October 19).
Glass workers win 12% pay rise plus 30% LSL increase
Two-hundred workers for Pilkington’s glass factory at Dandenong in Melbourne’s east have voted for a new enterprise agreement that provides a 12% wage rise over three years and increases of up to 30% in Long Service Leave pay.
BlueScope bosses face workers resolutions at AGM
Workers at BlueScope Steel Ltd (formerly BHP) are for the first time attending the company’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney today to vote on resolutions to limit senior executives’ salaries and payouts and improve corporate governance standards.
Workers meet over Whyalla blast furnace blaze
Steelworkers from Whyalla in South Australia will meet tomorrow (Friday October 22) to discuss the impact of this week’s fire at OneSteel’s newly re-lined blast furnace.
Enrol before November 30 for OHS Level 4 Certificate Course
Enrolments are now open for next year’s Level 4 Certificate Course in Occupational Health and Safety run through The Australian Workers' Union. All AWU members are welcome to apply for the course, but numbers are limited.
September 2004
Notice to Members – Rule Change
An application has been made by the Union to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to alter the Eligibility Rules of the Union.
Maxwell to address AWU Safety Reps
The architect of Victoria’s safety law review will address AWU Workplace Safety Representatives and Union Delegates at the AWU’s annual OHS Seminar in Melbourne this month.
Truth Overboard - 35 Lies told by John Howard and counting
'Truth is absolute, truth is supreme, truth is never disposable in national political life' - Prime Minister John Howard to ABC radio, 25 August 1995. The Labor Party outlines the lies here.
Port Kembla Branch launches new website
The AWU Port Kembla, South Coast and Southern Highlands Branch has launched a new website which aims to make communication with the union easier for all AWU members and prospective members.
Enrol to vote by September 7
With the Federal Election called for October 9 - now is the time to ensure you are correctly enrolled to vote at the Election.
Jackson Inquiry Says James Hardie Must Pay
Unions have welcomed the release of the report by Mr Jackson QC in the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into the under-funding by James Hardie of its asbestos liabilities.
AWU defeats ESSO attack on family rosters
The Australian Workers’ Union has defeated a legal bid by multinational energy giant ESSO to force Bass Strait oil and gas rig workers onto 14-day rosters.
Liberal's IR Lies
The Howard Government is lying about union entry rights in both Labor's policies and its own federal law says Labor’s Craig Emerson.
BlueScope first target of AWU's corporate governance reforms
BlueScope Steel has become the first target of an Australian Workers’ Union campaign to involve members in debating and improving governance standards at public companies employing AWU members.
August 2004
Have your say - enrol to vote
The coming federal election will be critical in shaping the future of our nation. It is when we all make our voices heard at the ballot box that we can have a real say in the way our country is governed. The AWU encourages all members to ensure they are enrolled to vote. It's easy to enrol - read on for details.
Death closes Sydney Cross City Tunnel indefinately
Three hundred construction workers voted yesterday to ban work on the Sydney Cross-City tunnel until it is declared safe by independent inspectors and the site’s Union Safety Committee
AWU Awards proposed as Common Rule for Victoria
Here is a list of AWU Federal Awards that are proposed as Common Rule for Victoria from January 1, 2005.
No More Moombas - AWU Delegates to Debate Workplace Incidents
Over 200 workers and AWU members from across South Australia will meet this morning to discuss strategies to tackle the contentious issue of preventing incidents at South Australia’s major hazardous facilities.
TAPS Branch launches new website
The AWU Techincal, Administrative, Professional Staff (TAPS) Branch has launched a new website which aims to make communication with the union easier for all AWU TAPS members and prospective members.
BlueScope record profit proves justice of redundancy strike
BlueScope’s record profit of $584 million announced today confirmed workers’ concerns about the company’s unfair superannuation and redundancy policies.
Western Port strikes against 'greedy' BlueScope
More than 500 steel workers at BlueScope’s Western Port operations near Melbourne today voted to go on strike over what they called the company’s “greed” in negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.
Bluescope Steel hit by strikes over fairer super & redundancy
Bluescope Steel operations in four States are being hit by industrial action by workers demanding fairer redundancy and superannuation policies.
AWU Awards to improve pay and conditions of Victorian workers
The Australian Workers’ Union is planning to introduce up to 30 Federal AWU Awards to Victorian workers after an historic decision by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission yesterday (August 17).
25% Casual loading spreads to oil drilling industry
The Australian Workers’ Union has won an increase in casual loadings from 20% to 25% for up to 600 off shore oil drilling workers as part of its push to extend superior conditions to all casual employees.
July 2004
AWU Victorian Branch Auditor's Report & Financial Statements
Members of the Victorian Branch of The Australian Workers' Union can download a copy of the Branch Auditor's Report & Financial Statements here.
130 Forgecast workers protest $3 million redundancy rip-off
130 workers facing the loss of their jobs and up to $3 million in redundancy entitlements will hold a protest meeting against the Federal Government’s redundancy and insolvency laws in Melbourne tomorrow (Thursday July 15).
Forgecast workers vote for 87 jobs, extra $1.6 million
More than 100 Forgecast workers voted to keep the company trading today in a deal which saves 87 jobs and provides for an extra $1.6 million in redundancy payments. However, 47 positions will be made redundant at the Melbourne die-casting factory.
Notice to Members – Rule Change
An application has been made by the Union to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to alter the Eligibility Rules of the Union.
AWU Victorian Branch Operating Report
Members of the Victorian Branch of The Australian Workers' Union can download a copy of the Victorian Branch Operating Report.
Cars ram equal pay picket at BHP-B mine
An Australian Workers' Union picket line was allegedly rammed yesterday by two management cars at BHP Billiton’s remote Yandi iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Pilbara.
AWU welcomes Portland wind farm
The Australian Workers’ Union has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement today of the go-ahead for a major wind farm at Portland on the State’s south coast.
AWU slams 'bad citizen' Comalco
The Australian Workers’ Union National President Bill Ludwig and National Secretary Bill Shorten are leading a protest against Aluminium giant Comalco.
Aluminium workers debate future
Aluminium workers’ representatives from around Australia will discuss their future under impending changes including the Kyoto Protocol at an industry conference in Queensland this week.
Forgecast rescue call for 130 jobs, redundancy pay
The AWU is calling for a restructuring operation to save up to 130 jobs at Forgecast's metal parts factory in Melbourne.
Tunnel Death Needs Investigation
The Australian Workers’ Union has today announced that all of its members working on the Cross City Tunnel will not be returning to work indefinitely following the tragic death yesterday afternoon of one of a worker in the tunnel.
Water works hit by work bans
Irrigation supplies from the Goulburn-Murray Water authority in northern Victoria could be affected by work bans unless an industrial dispute is resolved, The Australian Workers’ Union said today.
June 2004
Jim Bacon: working people lose life-long advocate
ACTU President Sharan Burrows has paid tribute to former Tasmanian Premier & trade unionist Jim Bacon who passed away early yesterday morning.
Updating Workplace Privacy Protection - AWU Seminar
Industry leaders and experts on workplace privacy are speaking at the AWU’s annual Seminar in Melbourne (Friday June 25). Topics covered include electronic surveillance of workers – such as covert video surveillance and e-mail monitoring, Government plans to change protections for workers and the occupational health and safety impacts of electronic performance monitoring.
6th Annual AWU Gala Ball
The Australian Workers Union are very pleased to invite all members and friends to our 6th Annual Gala Ball, which will be held at the Melbourne Crown Casino.
Latham to Address AWU Members
Federal Opposition Leader Mark Latham will address AWU members and delegates at the AWU’s offices at Granville in western Sydney next Monday.
Southcorp Slashes 200 jobs
Hundreds of wine industry workers are devastated by Southcorp’s announcement today that it is cutting 200 jobs from packaging plants and wineries in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Privacy Matters: AWU Victorian Branch 2004 Seminar
The AWU Seminar 2004 "Privacy Matters" is again tackling a 'hot' industrial topic, focusing on Workplace Privacy and the many concerns workers and employers have about their rights and responsibilities in this area. Who has a right to privacy and what does that privacy mean?
AWU exposes Liberal Senator’s ignorance of own law
Liberal Senator John Tierney revealed his ignorance of his own Government’s industrial laws during a verbal tussle with AWU National Secretary Bill Shorten at a Senate Committee hearing on May 21.
OHS Reps - Have your say
The Australian Council of Trade Unions is conducting a survey of Union Workplace Safety Representatives from around the country.
Glass and Container Branch Financial Reports
Members of the Glass and Container Industry Branch can download the financial reports of the for the year ending 30 June 2004.
National Electrolux Campaign Launch
The Australian Workers’ Union will launch a new national campaign to save the jobs of hundreds of Electrolux workers which are under threat in Orange NSW and Adelaide.
May 2004
AWU to Honor Adelaide Terrorist Victim
The Australian Workers' Union in South Australia will dedicate a new garden and training centre in memory of the former union official, Andrew Knox, who was tragically killed during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001.
BHP Deaths Require New Safety Powers
A new Western Australian Government inquiry into BHP Billiton should have the power to prosecute if the company is found negligent over a series of deaths and injuries to iron ore workers in the Pilbara, the Australian Workers’ Union said today.
Student competition: investigating wages and working conditions
The ACTU Worksite for Schools website, of which the AWU is a sponsor, is currently running a competition for students - Investigating Wages and Working Conditions.
Competition Watchdog Responds to AWU Concerns
The Australian Workers' Union has congratulated the ACCC on its decision to oppose the acquisition of Adelaide Brighton by Boral Limited.
Budget Fails To Save Medicare, Public Education or Make Childcare Cheaper
Unions have said that this year's Budget squanders a $52 billion surplus over four years yet still fails to save Medicare, public education, or make childcare and other basic services cheaper.
Pilbara Iron Ore Workers Historic Break Through
210 workers at BHP Billiton Yandi iron ore mine in the East Pilbara are set to become the first Australian miners to resist an employer drive for workers to adopt individual contracts.
Porkies Leave Shearers In Tents
The NSW Carr Government has been caught out blaming the National Competition Council (NCC) for attempting to repeal laws that guarantee rural workers are not forced to live in tents.
Competition Watchdog Responds to AWU Concerns
The Australian Workers' Union has congratulated the ACCC on its decision to oppose the acquisition of Adelaide Brighton by Boral Limited.
April 2004
AWU Welcomes Maxwell Report
Australian Workers’ Union National Secretary Bill Shorten has welcomed the release of the report by Chris Maxwell QC into reforming Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation and congratulated Industrial Relations Minister Rob Hulls for ensuring the review took place. Mr. Shorten said that the Maxwell report is the first review of any substance of Victoria’s occupational health and safety laws and practices since 1985.
Truss Stacks Drought Roundtable
The Australian Workers’ Union has demanded an explanation from the Federal Government after it has been discovered by the union that the Drought Roundtable has been “stacked” with organisations that have close links to the Coalition.
Gas shortages averted as Esso lifts lock-out
Esso and its subcontractors have lifted their lock-out of 300 Bass Strait on-shore & off-shore workers today to repair a piece of equipment damaged by fire at Esso’s Longford Plant on Monday morning.
Worker Death Highlights Need for Industrial Manslaughter
A 51 year old Bow Bowing man was killed yesterday when he was crushed by a load of steel at his workplace in Western Sydney.
Esso Threatens Victoria's Gas Supplies
Over 300 Bass Strait oilrig workers, who perform critical construction work to guarantee Victoria’s gas supplies, will be locked-out from Tuesday by Esso sub-contractors. The lock-out is being used by companies to force the workers to double to amount of time that they are on the oilrigs for. The lock-out will be in place through-out Easter and is not due to be fully lifted until 6th May 2004.
March 2004
Vale John Roy
It is with deep sadness and a sense of loss that the AWU announces the passing of a valued friend and Organiser with our West Australian Branch John Graham Roy.
Australia’s newest industrial relations/current affairs journal launches today
Following the celebrations tonight to launch the revamped The Australian Worker magazine, more than 100,000 copies will be mailed to AWU members as well as several thousand distributed to selected newsagents nationally.
Corporatisation plans show competition out of control
The Australian Workers Union today warned that Carr Government plans to corporatise State Water and privatise State Forests will compromise regional communities.
February 2004
Revamp of Drought Assistance Programs Essential: AWU
The Australian Workers’ Union, the nation’s largest rural trade union, has called for a massive over-haul of the Federal Government’s drought assistance programs in a submission to the Department of Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry National Drought Policy Review.
AWU wins shorter working week at SPC
In the first time in two decades for the Goulburn Valley, workers at the SPC Ardmona fruit processing and canning plant in Shepparton have won a shorter working week following six days of industrial action.
Smelter workers to be locked out
Labour hire firm Skilled Engineering will be locked out of their workplace at the Hydro Aluminium Smelter starting on Friday 6 February in an attempt to blackmail the workforce in to accepting inferior employment conditions.
January 2004
AWU calls for Moomba inquiry
The Australian Workers' Union has called for an immediate inquiry into safety at the Moomba gas plant, fearing workers at the Santos facility were being placed in peril.
Workers dig up asbestos dump
About 40 workers constructing a massive gas pipeline in remote Western Australia were undergoing medical tests after stumbling across a hidden asbestos dump, their union said yesterday.
AWU Calls for Inquiry into Ethanol Explosion
The Australian Workers’ Union has called for the NSW State Government to immediately convene an inquiry into the explosion this morning of an Ethanol Tank behind the Port Kembla steelworks.
National Secretary: Paul Howes