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Giving a voice to Rig Workers - the Offshore Alliance

05 June 2008

Around 2000 Australian workers on drill rigs who really want secure jobs and good pay and conditions are now being dudded, Paul Howes AWU National Secretary has warned.

Stuck in a rut

"The rest of the industry are getting regular pay and working conditions improvements but the drill rig workers off our coastlines are stuck in a rut."

The Australian Workers Union and the Maritime Union have formed an Offshore Alliance to improve the conditions of ALL the workers in this key industry for Australia.

Workplace representatives play a vital role in offshore safety regime

" This Alliance can play an important role in delivering a safe workplace in an industry where safety must play a vital role,"Maritime Union of Australia Secretary, Paddy Crumlin said.

" Elected delegates can give a voice to any concerns the workforce has about safety issues."

The National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority recently clearly stated dthat worker representatives play a key role delivering in offshore safety for oil workers.

" These elected representatives can help workers raise safety issues within their workplace and can assist in resolving the issues with their employers and with facility operators," the National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority Chief Executive Officer, John Clegg said.

Drill rig workers need a voice

Drill rig workers are being left behind those workers in the industry protected by union agreements

Drill rig workers :

  • Pay own way from Eastern States to get to and from work ifthey don't live in Western Australia
  • Must accept employer superannuation contributions stuck at the bare minimum of 9%
  • Cop no wage increases for over 3 years
  • Know they can lose their jobs if they voice an unpopular opinion at work
  • Have no transparent career path process
Workers on union agreements in the industry enjoy conditions such as:

  • Improved rosters such as 3 on, 3 off, 3 on, 6 off
  • All costs for travelling from your home to work paid by your employer
  • Reimbursement for all time spent training while on leave
  • Annual pay rises for all
  • 2.5 days pay for each extra days work outside the cycle
  • Private health insurance
  • 14% employer superannuation contributions
  • Recognition of union rights and delegate structures
  • Stringent Occupational Health and Safety systems where workers don't have to fear losing their jobs for raising concerns.
  • Career path opportunities
Union members have negotiated these conditions through their elected delegates and supported by their union membership.

Let's get organised

The MUA-AWU Offshore Alliance is YOUR voice

For more information contact:

  • Rod Currie on 0419 967 593 - rod.currie @ nat.awu.net.au
  • Bernie Farrelly on 0418 183 823 - berniefarrelly @ mua.org.au
  • Dave Healy (Victoria) on 0409258705 - david.healy @awu.net.au
  • Warren Allen (WA) on 0419907032 - warren @awuwa.asn.au


Contact Details
The Australian Workers' Union
Ph:  (02) 8005 3333
Members Hotline: 1300 885 653
Fax: (02) 8005 3300
members@awu.net.au

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