Firies honoured; Alcoa workers secure strike win

AWU members from the Grampians region were recognised for their service during the devastating 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires at a medal presentation ceremony held at the Gordon Street Reserve Community Centre in Ararat on Tuesday, 23rd September.

The ceremony saw union members receive National Emergency Medals for their exceptional response during one of Australia’s most catastrophic fire seasons, which saw declared emergencies across East Gippsland, Wellington, and other regions. Recipients also received National Medals recognising their long and diligent service in the department.

AWU firies honoured for their work

The Black Summer fires burned for months across eastern Australia, destroying thousands of homes and claiming lives whilst devastating wildlife and ecosystems. FFMV workers from across Victoria, including these Grampians-based AWU members, were deployed to assist in the massive suppression effort in the worst-affected areas. These AWU members worked in extreme conditions during the Black Summer fires, often for weeks away from home, battling blazes in dangerous terrain whilst communities evacuated around them. Their expertise and courage helped save countless properties and lives during the crisis. The AWU has long advocated for proper recognition of these frontline workers, ensuring their extraordinary service during national emergencies is acknowledged whilst continuing to fight for the resources and conditions they need.

AWU members at Alcoa Portland have secured a crucial victory after the Fair Work Commission rejected the company’s bid to stop protected industrial action.

In an urgent Sunday hearing, Commissioner Fox dismissed Alcoa’s application, allowing workers to continue strike action after 85% of members rejected the company’s enterprise agreement offer.

The dispute centres on Alcoa’s attempts to strip away longstanding worker protections whilst offering below-inflation pay rises. Key issues include the union’s demand for 15% pay increases over three years, protection of job security provisions that have existed for over 15 years, and recognition of the Senior Site Delegate role – currently held by a woman for the first time in Alcoa’s 40-year history.“Our members have shown incredible solidarity in standing together for a fair outcome,” said AWU Southwest Organiser Carl Millard. “The company’s attempts to remove crucial worker protection clauses simply isn’t acceptable.”

Ronnie, addressing members at a mass meeting, emphasised the stakes: “This EA sets the stage for the next 20 years. We won’t accept going backwards on conditions and protections.” The victory allows night shift industrial action to continue as negotiations remain deadlocked, with workers maintaining their fight for fair pay and conditions at the Portland aluminium smelter.

Portland Alcoa members take strike action