News

December 13, 2024

Message from the QLD Branch Secretary: Spring 2024

It’s been a busy Spring at the AWU Queensland Branch, with workers in sugar, aviation, aluminium, health, and so many more all fighting back in the workplace!

July 17, 2024
A message from the QLD Branch Secretary
May 23, 2024
Frontline Health Workers Call for Action on Hospital Violence

A survey of Queensland Health workers by the Australian Workers’ Union has revealed the massive extent of violence in our public hospitals, with the union calling on politicians to act on the issue.
May 23, 2024
How AustralianSuper is working to assist with recovering unpaid super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

As a fund that puts members first, AustralianSuper works with employees and employers to communicate the importance of super being paid correctly and on time.
March 5, 2024
When to check your super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

While you might not be looking to access your super now, it’s still important to be regularly checking your account.
November 15, 2023
Helping protect your super from financial scams | An AustralianSuper Editorial

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, targeting you in ways that seem very convincing. Help protect yourself by knowing what to look out for in keeping your super safe.
August 19, 2023
5 Steps to Control your Super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

With the start of a new financial year, here are steps to help take control of your super.
February 24, 2023
AWU STATEMENT ON THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT’S CHANGES TO YOUTH JUSTICE & DETENTION

The announcement from the State Government on Tuesday that adult offenders will be removed from youth detention centres is a win for common sense.
February 9, 2023
Rockhampton Council worker wins QLD Delegate of the Year

When it comes to the union saving your job, Mick has first-hand experience – it recently saved his!
November 23, 2022
AWU leads push for paid menstrual, menopausal leave

The Australian Workers’ Union is leading the charge in a campaign for paid menstrual and menopause leave, with current leave entitlements falling way short of many women’s health experiences.
November 18, 2022
Maurice Blackburn Settlement Story

Jayden* was employed as a sheet metal worker for a duct installation company when he sustained a serious hand injury while installing an upright duct into the roof of a new shopping centre development. He and his colleagues ordinarily undertook work of this nature in pairs, due to the weight of the metal ducts and the difficulty of the upright installation. On this particular worksite, however, Jayden’s boss directed them to work individually in order to meet a deadline.
September 20, 2022
AWU WIN | Changes to Pandemic Leave for Queensland Health Employees

Over the past year, our members have been raising the issue of the operation of the 20-day pandemic leave provisions with the AWU.
September 20, 2022
MINERS MEMORIAL DAY – 19th SEPTEMBER 2022

Every single day, thousands of AWU members go to work in the resources industry in Queensland. The wealth created by these workers has supported Australia’s economic growth for over a century.
December 6, 2021
CBUS Superannuation

Cbus, the largest industry fund for the building, construction industry and allied industries with over 760, 000 members
November 26, 2021
AWU says Shearing Contractors Assoc email proves Ag Visa a threat to regional jobs,
August 17, 2021
Karen Johns – AWU Gold Member

Karen Johns, an AWU Gold Member for nearly 40 years, saw the power of union membership in the aged-care & disability sectors.
August 5, 2021
AWU calls for greater accountability as National Taskforce releases Dust Disease Report

After an extensive consultation process, the National Dust Disease Taskforce has published its final report, which will advise the Federal Government’s upcoming legislative reform.
June 28, 2021
Silica Dust Victims Visit Australian Parliament House

The AWU is in Canberra again this week in a final push to keep workers safe from silica dust exposure, ahead of the report from the National Dust Disease Taskforce including meetings with key members of the Government, Opposition, and Crossbench to discuss Silicosis.
May 26, 2021
How one AWU Delegate helped save Australia’s refining industry

When Mick Denton signed on at the then-Caltex refinery at Lytton in Brisbane, little did he know he would end up saving the nation’s oil refining capability.
May 17, 2021
AWU welcomes breakthrough on Australian fuel refining
March 16, 2021
AWU calls on urgent action to implement findings from Aged Care Royal Commission

The AWU is cautiously backing the report which puts workers at the centre of the aged care system and is urging the Federal Government to act on these recommendations urgently, for the sake of aged care workers and the people in their care.
January 11, 2021
Important update on super from Cbus

As the 2020 year comes to a close there is a great deal of noise and activity surrounding superannuation in the parliament, in the media, and some sections of the business community about making changes to our system that is held up as an example around the world.
December 30, 2020
AWU Statement – AWU continues to stand strong on the safety of health workers

AWU continues to fight to ensure that the safety of visitors, patients and staff at Queensland Health Facilities remain a top priority.
November 26, 2020
Beat the Heat

Working in excessive heat can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.
October 2, 2020
AWU Aged Care Update | Federal Government Lets Aged Care Workers Down

Last week, we learned that the Federal Government and Aged Care providers left the aged care sector unprepared and under resourced for the job of caring for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 30, 2020
RESPECT OUR AGED CARE WORKERS

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, aged care workers have gone above and beyond to keep some of the most vulnerable members of our community safe.
September 23, 2020
Smelter Deal A Win for Queensland Workers

Today’s announcement locking in the future of the Mount Isa Mines Copper Smelter is a massive win for local Queensland AWU members.
August 22, 2020
New | AWU Statement on Brisbane Youth Detention Centre COVID-19 Case

This morning, further positive COVID-19 cases have been confirmed at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. The AWU remains in regular contact with the Department of Youth Justice and is continuing to make every effort to ensure that the virus is contained and workers kept safe during this time.
August 21, 2020
AWU Statement on Brisbane Youth Detention Centre COVID-19 Case

The AWU is aware that an employee at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre has returned a positive COVID-19 test. As the union representing Youth Detention workers, we’re taking urgent steps to protect our members on the ground.
August 6, 2020
AWU WIN | CANNINGTON MEMBERS VOTE NO TO DODGY WAGE CUTS

In a major win for local workers, AWU at Cannington Mine have voted to reject Compass Groups dodgy cuts to their terms and conditions.
July 21, 2020
AWU Statement – On Ardent Leisure Charges

News today that charges have been laid against Ardent Leisure for the tragic deaths of Cindy Low, Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett and Roozi Araghi sends a powerful message that worker safety is too important not to take seriously.
June 30, 2020
AWU Safety Update – STAND UP FOR COVID SAFE WORKPLACES

Under workplace health and safety laws, your employer has an obligation to provide you with a safe workplace free from harm. Remember, it is illegal for your employer to take any action against you for raising a safety issue.
June 17, 2020
AWU Statement – Wage Deferral Legislation

From the moment the Queensland Government announced a wage freeze, the AWU has taken up the fight on behalf of frontline workers right across Queensland for them to be paid what they’re owed.
June 15, 2020
AWU WIN | AWU SECURES $1250 SIGN ON BONUS

In a big step forward for AWU Members, the AWU has secured a commitment from the Queensland Government to lock in your $1250 sign on bonus up front.
June 6, 2020
AWU Statement on Wage Freeze Legislation Reports

At a time when frontline health workers are going above and beyond in incredibly challenging circumstances to keep the rest of us safe, ramming a wage freeze through parliament is the last thing they need or deserve.
May 20, 2020
Industrial Manslaughter Laws a Win for Worker Safety

In a big step forward for mine and quarry safety, the Queensland Government has officially passed laws creating the offence of industrial manslaughter for the resource sector and implemented tougher penalties for employers who target workers speaking out on safety issues.
May 15, 2020
Fighting for sick leave entitlements for members at Qantas

The Australian Workers’ Union and members of the Qantas Engineers Alliance Union appeared in court this week via video link in a bid to overturn the Qantas decision.
May 15, 2020
Regional AWU Members Let Down by Wage Freeze

We know that AWU Members right throughout Queensland are working hard to keep the state running and support their families and communities. Unfortunately, the Government’s announcement of an unfair and unnecessary wage freeze has left many workers in the dark about whether they’ll be receiving future wage increases.
April 24, 2020
Hundreds of stood down Qantas members are going back to work in Brisbane

Qantas has just announced its Brisbane Base Heavy Maintenance (BHM) workforce will be returning to full-time staffing levels this coming Monday.
April 20, 2020
Unions seek clarity as Qantas announces further stand downs

The Qantas Engineers Alliance Unions are consulting with Qantas to address concerns relating to the second wave of engineering member stand downs.
April 16, 2020
AWU says frontline health workers are left behind by Qld Govt

Health workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland are being left behind by Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Queensland Government, as other States step up to the plate to announce support for frontline health care workers.
April 6, 2020
AWU Secretary Steve Baker Slams Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk

AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Steve Baker said that Annastacia Palaszczuk’s sudden announcement had been met with disbelief and anguish by Queensland’s frontline health workers.
April 1, 2020
AWU Statement on BCC Wage Freeze

The AWU says Brisbane City Council workers deserve better than to find out about their wages being frozen by reading it in the news.
March 31, 2020
Classify the Steel Industry as Essential

The ASI and The AWU are urging all Australian governments to keep the steel industry operational.
March 31, 2020
AWU and Master Builders Australia stand up for construction industry

The AWU and Master Builders Australia are jointly calling on governments to ensure the building and construction industry continues to operate.
March 30, 2020
Qantas Workers’ Entitlements Update

The Qantas Engineers Alliance Unions have been seeking clarity from Qantas on questions of entitlements during stand downs since they were first announced a week and a half ago.
March 25, 2020
Standing with Aviation Members

At 5pm today (25 March 2020) thousands of Qantas workers and many union members are going to be stood down. The AWU is with you – we won’t give up.
March 22, 2020
AWU Supporting Gold Coast Theme Park Workers During Stand Downs

We know this is one of the toughest things anyone can go through – and the AWU is here to offer every support possible to our members during this time. Our message to VRTP and Ardent Leisure is clear – AWU members should be treated fairly and afforded every possible benefit to help them get through this tough period.
March 21, 2020
AWU Supporting Workers During Qantas Stand Downs

AWU officials are engaged in ongoing discussions with Qantas to make sure AWU members are treated fairly and afforded every possible benefit to help them get through this tough period.
March 20, 2020
Looking out for Retail Workers – COVID-19

We know this has been an unbelievably stressful time for retail workers across Queensland. While you’ve been going through this, your AWU has been working hard to make sure you’re kept safe and treated fairly at work.
March 18, 2020
Know Your Rights At Work – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With more and more cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) developing across Queensland, your AWU has been hard at work making sure employers are providing safe and fair workplaces during this tough time. We’ve prepared the answers to FAQs so that you know exactly where you stand.
March 17, 2020
AWU QHealth Update – COVID-19

We’re extremely proud of the work AWU members in Queensland Health are doing to keep the community safe, and we’ve been fighting hard to make sure you are kept safe at work.
March 16, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Coronavirus Case at South 32 Cannington Mine

The AWU is aware that there may have been a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) confirmed at South 32, Cannington. AWU Officials will be doing everything we can to support members during this time.
March 14, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Coronavirus Case at Wide Bay HHS

AWU Officials have been in contact with Queensland Health and received assurances that all potentially affected employees are being contacted and offered appropriate health advice to the best of their ability.
March 13, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Suspected Coronavirus Case at O-I Glass

AWU Officials have been in contact with OI Glass this morning and received assurances that all potentially affected employees have been contacted and given appropriate health advice.
March 12, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

With the outbreak of coronavirus worsening, the AWU has been hard at work making sure worker safety is being taken seriously.
March 11, 2020
5 easy steps to take control of your super – AustralianSuper

These 5 simple steps can help you take control of your super and help change your financial future for the better. from our partner – AustralianSuper
March 5, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Coronavirus

With the outbreak of coronavirus worsening, the AWU has been hard at work making sure worker safety is being taken seriously.
February 27, 2020
Coronavirus & Safety at Work

Many AWU members are on the frontline of risk of exposure to Coronavirus and we’ll be working hard to ensure that every possible precaution is taken to keep members safe at work.
February 27, 2020
It’s time for Industrial Manslaughter Laws to Protect Resources Workers

There is no larger priority for the AWU than making sure AWU Members have safe workplaces. That’s why we’ve made a submission to the Queensland Government to make sure these laws get through Parliament and can start protecting Queensland workers.
February 24, 2020
Choosing a Beneficiary – AustralianSuper

It’s not a very cheerful topic but what happens to your super when you die? Have you nominated a beneficiary? from our partner – AustralianSuper Pty Ltd
February 24, 2020
AWU welcomes Qld Coroner’s findings on 2016 Dreamworld Tragedy

The AWU has welcomed the Queensland coroner’s findings released today following the inquiry into tragic deaths of four people at Dreamworld in 2016, saying revelations of management’s total failure to deal with safety risks was of no surprise to the union.
February 21, 2020
Boom time ahead for the WA and QLD construction industry

It’s full steam ahead for Western Australia and Queensland for the next three years, with major road and rail projects set to deliver a boom.
February 21, 2020
National Secretary Makes Statement on Proposed Sale of Rocla Pipelines

Your union is fully across the sale process and we are working with Fletcher Building Group on securing the right outcome for our members.
February 15, 2020
Portable Long Service Leave Win Closer for Community Services Workers

As part of the Queensland Government’s Portable Long Service Leave for the Community Services Sector Taskforce, the AWU has been fighting for portable long service leave for our SACS members.
February 14, 2020
Information Session for affected Lactalis workers in Rockhampton

Since Lactalis made the disgraceful decision to close its Rockhampton site just weeks after securing a major government contract, we’ve been working with the Queensland Government to support our members through this difficult period.
February 10, 2020
AWU secures backpay in a win for Regis Aged Care workers

AWU members at Regis Aged Care have had a massive win, securing thousands of dollars in back pay after AWU officials took the fight up to Regis.
February 7, 2020
AWU condemns workplace bullying: it’s unacceptable

The AWU has again condemned workplace bullying, saying too many workers continue to face bullying and harassment every time they go to work for simply trying to do their jobs.
February 7, 2020
AWU Member Update: Lactalis Closure

Last night, representatives from the AWU met with the Queensland State Development and Manufacturing Minister Cameron Dick on behalf of Lactalis workers in Rockhampton and South Brisbane facing job losses and cutbacks.
February 7, 2020
Costa condemned for allowing agricultural workers to live in slum-like conditions

Over 70 migrant workers were crammed into a single house, forced to pay $100 a week each in rent.
February 6, 2020
AWU Safety Update – Coronavirus

We know that AWU members are at the frontline of potential exposure to coronavirus. Making sure AWU members are safe at work is our number one priority.
February 6, 2020
Lactalis closure a kick in the teeth for local workers

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has described the decision by Lactalis to shut down their Rockhampton site and cut jobs in South Brisbane as nothing short of disgraceful.
February 5, 2020
Lactalis Closure

Our first priority is to give every support we can to members affected by Lactalis’s announcement to close their Rockhampton plans & downscale their South Brisbane operations.
February 4, 2020
Better protections for mining workers announced

As far as the AWU’s concerned, one death or injury at work is one too many. That’s why we’ve been fighting to get industrial manslaughter law for the mining sector to hold mine bosses to the highest possible level of accountability for safety.
February 4, 2020
Industrial Manslaughter Laws for Resource Workers Introduced Into Qld Parliament

The AWU has welcomed the new mining Industrial Manslaughter laws introduced today into the Queensland Parliament, saying the union has been fighting for tougher laws to protect mining workers.
February 4, 2020
QHealth Bargaining Update: What You Need to Know

During bargaining, AWU members locked in major improvements in their conditions at work. Read the latest update.
February 3, 2020
A Message from ME – Australians’ top 5 money goals for 2020, and how you can achieve them.

When industry super fund-owned bank ME asked Australians about their financial resolutions for 2020, five key goals stood out.
January 31, 2020
What should your payslip look like?

A boss who doesn’t provide a payslip within one working day of you being paid is breaking the law. Know your rights!
January 25, 2020
QHealth Agreement Moves Towards Vote

After AWU members overwhelmingly voted to give in-principle support, we’ve been working to complete final drafting of the Agreement.
January 24, 2020
New Rangers EBA for AWU Members

After strong bargaining negotiations on behalf of members, the AWU has secured a number of provisions in the new Agreement.
January 23, 2020
Tens of thousands recovered in stolen wages for a Hair Stylist

When a Queensland AWU member found they were being paid at the wrong rate, the union took up the fight and won.
January 13, 2020
Smoke Haze – Stay Safe this Summer

Protect yourself from hazardous bushfire smoke this summer.
January 13, 2020
Beat the Heat

Working in excessive heat can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.
January 13, 2020
QLD 2019 Delegate of the Year Awarded to Mick Denton

Queenslander Mick Denton has been recognised as a 2019 Delegate of the Year for his long-running efforts at Caltex Lytton in Brisbane.
January 13, 2020
Hairstylists retain penalty rates in landmark Fair Work decision

In a massive win for Hair Stylists Australia (HSA), the Fair Work Commission has rejected Hair and Beauty Australia’s (HABA) bid to slash penalty rates for hair and beauty workers.
December 26, 2019
2019 proves a tough year for AWU Firefighters

Bushfires this summer have stretched firefighters across the country, but the AWU is also celebrating some important wins.
December 23, 2019
AWU QHealth members support Agreement vote

At recent meetings right across Queensland, AWU Queensland Health members overwhelming voted to support putting the agreement to a full vote
December 22, 2019
2019: A look back on the Aluminium Industry

Negotiations, energy policy, and smelters under threat – here’s a look at the news that’s shaped the Aluminium industry this year
December 19, 2019
Branch Secretary’s Message – December eWorker

Right across Queensland, AWU members are fighting for safe and secure jobs – and a fair go at work.
December 18, 2019
2019: A Year in Review for the Oil and Gas Industry

It’s been a busy year for the Oil and Gas industry in Australia, with negotiations, industrial action, sales and campaigns.
December 15, 2019
Reviewing the Steel Industry in 2019

We need world class, robust and timely anti-dumping provisions that can provide effective defence against unfair trade to Australian steel producers.
December 12, 2019
AWU Delivers in Cross River Rail Agreement

As the Cross River Rail union, the AWU has secured one of the best civil construction Agreements in Australia with civil construction workers expected to earn $220,000 a year or more.
December 10, 2019
Work Shouldn’t Hurt – Don’t take a chance on musculoskeletal injuries

Each year 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to silica dust.
December 10, 2019
Don’t Risk Roundup – Get the Facts on Glyphosate

Each year 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to silica dust.
December 10, 2019
Is your workplace safe from SILICA DUST?

Each year 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to silica dust.
December 9, 2019
Cbus Update: Putting Members’ Interests First

A year-long campaign by Cbus on behalf of its members culminated in a nail-biting two weeks in September.
December 6, 2019
Qld Govt Commits to Industrial Manslaughter Laws for Mines

In a significant step forward for AWU members, the Queensland Government recently committed to introducing industrial manslaughter laws for mines and quarries in Queensland.
December 6, 2019
AWU Members Send a Clear Message To Glencore

The AWU said the results of the ballot was a huge win for workers at Mount Isa Mines and Ernest Henry Mine, saying Glencore’s dodgy proposed EBAs have been overwhelmingly rejected by AWU members.
December 5, 2019
2019: A Year in Review for the Civil Construction Industry

2019 has been a big year for Construction, with negotiations, industrial action, and some major projects on the horizon.
December 3, 2019
Cassowary Coast Regional Council Agreement Finalised

The AWU says after two years of tough bargaining negotiations, the new workplace Agreement at Cassowary Coast Council has now been finalised.
November 28, 2019
Union Win – Christmas Eve Public Holiday Becomes Official!

In a huge win for AWU members, the State Government officially passed legislation on 27th November 2019 to make Christmas Eve a public holiday.
November 27, 2019
Glencore EBA – A Kick in the Teeth for Mount Isa Workers

The Australian Workers’ Union Queensland Branch says workers at Mount Isa Mines face being ripped off by Glencore under their dodgy new workplace Agreement (EBA) which fails to lock in one single pay rise.
October 18, 2019
AWU Members Back Public Holiday on Christmas Eve Night

The AWU made a formal submission to the State Government – making it clear the Union supports a Christmas Eve public holiday.
October 11, 2019
A Message from ME – 5 things we get wrong with credit reports

Your credit report can be a valuable asset when you apply for a loan. But we still seem unclear on what goes into a credit report.
September 25, 2019
A Message from CBUS – Death and Disability Insurance

Does your insurance cover you at work?
August 21, 2019
Message to AWU Members at Tully Mill

On behalf of the entire AWU, our hearts go out to the family, friends, and workmates of the AWU member tragically killed in Tully in August.
August 13, 2019
Information for Former QNI Workers

The dispute about Queensland Nickel settled on 3 August 2019. Contact the AWU if you are a former Queensland Nickel employee and are unsure if your account details are correct.
July 31, 2019
Heartfelt condolences to Brett Quinn’s family

On behalf of the entire AWU we offer our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Brett Quinn who lost his life in a workplace accident and Trevor Cole who was seriously injured.
July 19, 2019
Concerns for seriously injured Cooktown Quarry Worker

The AWU’s number one concern is for the welfare of the young man injured working at a Cooktown quarry yesterday – and the welfare of his family and friends.
July 10, 2019
AWU Takes Mining Safety Fight to State Govt

Since the tragic death of a miner last week, the AWU has been taking the fight to the State Government to urgently introduce better safety regulations for Queensland Mines.
July 9, 2019
Time to Put Mining Safety First

Our hearts go out to the family, workmates and friends of the miner tragically killed at work.
July 9, 2019
New Superannuation Laws – How they May Affect You

On 1 July 2019, the Federal Government’s Protecting Your Super Package Act comes into effect. Find out how these changes may affect your death and disability insurance.
July 4, 2019
AWU Members WIN! Cairns Hospital Backs Downs on Security Cuts

AWU Members at Cairns Hospital have successfully fought back against a plan by Queensland Health to weaken staff and patient security by cutting security officer positions.
June 20, 2019
Sweet Victory for AWU Members at MSF Sugar

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) says it’s a sweet victory for members at MSF Sugar Maryborough after securing a new Agreement following an eighteen-month long battle.

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