Alcoa Members Update

Whilst these reports are not yet confirmed the AWU is seeking meetings with senior Alcoa management to discuss the issue. The Union will provide regular information briefs to the membership as we receive more information.

Members would be aware that Alcoa is a fully unionised company with pay and conditions above the industry average. Rio Tinto's Comalco is the only major Alumina company in Australia with a non-union workforce.

Workers at Comalco's Refineries and Smelters in Gladstone, Queensland and Bell Bay, Tasmania receive pay and conditions substantially inferior to what AWU members receive in Alcoa.

It needs to be made clear that the reports in the papers over the last few days have not been confirmed - it is possible that these reports are based on rumours only however it is important that the AWU and all union members in Alcoa are vigilant over the coming days and weeks.

Whilst the AWU is concerned with a possible buy out of Alcoa by Rio Tinto or BHP we know that the AWU members who work in Alcoa across the country are stronger and more united than ever before.

Over the coming days Senior Delegates and Convenors will be conducting regular meetings with all AWU members and passing on all information on the current state of play.

Be aware that the AWU will not stand idly by and let companies like Rio Tinto rip away our wages and conditions which have been won since the 1960s by the hard and long struggles of union members in Alcoa. Over the next few days more information on the reports will be distributed over the coming days and weeks.

Paul Howes
National Vice President
The Australian Workers' Union