A message from the National Secretary: Winter 2024

Despite a tough economic climate, our delegates and organisers have continued to deliver at the bargaining table. Every employer claims that with rising costs, they can’t afford a decent wage increase, and are passing higher costs on to consumers. But workers are consumers too – which means that when companies are hard up, we risk getting squeezed both on payday and when we pay the bills. That’s why it’s so important that we secure better outcomes in agreements and set high industry standards for wages and conditions.

We’ve also backed the Labor government in Canberra to deliver bigger, fairer tax cuts, better wage rises in the awards system, and positive workplace reforms like the ‘same job same pay’ law and increased delegates’ rights.

But we know that workers are still struggling through a cost of living crisis. The same global instability that has done so much to drive up inflation has also put many of our sites at risk. While factors like these might feel out of our control, the AWU is doing everything we can to keep your workplace open and get you the best deal possible. In particular, regardless of what you do for a living, your industry needs stable, affordable power. I’m dedicated to securing just that to protect every single job I can.

Unfortunately, recent pressures have forced a small number of employers to the wall. This is always a terrible thing. And while the energy transition has huge promise for some of our industries, we know it will see others facing new threats. That’s why we’re also pushing for forward-thinking solutions to assist industry in the shift to net zero.

Regardless of the economy, nothing will ever be more important to the AWU than having every member come home safe. We all know that safer workplaces don’t come from management or regulators. They come from workers standing together, calling out unsafe work practices and demanding better. We continue to invest in the best possible education for our members – training up more delegates and HSRs than ever before.

Whether it’s bargaining, safety, workers’ rights or the economy – there’s never a moment’s rest in this job, and I’m privileged to be doing it on your behalf. The leadership team and I are committed to giving it our all, fighting every day for more and better jobs for our members. Enjoy The Worker and we’ll see you at work soon!