Nyrstar workers’ win; farewell Peter!

After months of uncertainty, over 1400 workers at Nyrstar can finally breathe, with state and federal governments committing a $135 million rescue package for the Port Pirie and Hobart smelters.

Our members from Port Pirie know that without the smelter, the community would struggle to survive. It wasn’t just 850 workers on the brink; hundreds of contractors and suppliers, their families, and the various small businesses in town depend on Nyrstar, and the AWU welcomes this vital support from governments to ensure that town can continue to survive and thrive into the future.

Importantly, this funding also gives Port Pirie an opportunity to build on our critical minerals processing capacity. The smelter will expand production to antimony – a metal used in munitions and electronics.

This is yet another real step in Australia’s journey to becoming a global critical minerals powerhouse, and the AWU will work with our members in Port Pirie to ensure day-to-day operations continue, and future programs have the support and resources they need.

Gary with SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, Senator Tim Ayres and Nyrstar workers

The South Australia Branch also bade farewell to Branch Secretary Peter Lamps, after 28 years of employment with the AWU. Peter started his AWU journey as a member in 1981, working at a local manufacturing company, and it wasn’t long until Peter became a site delegate. After many hard years honing his skills as a delegate, Peter became an organiser for the AWU in 1997.

Peter organised many industries within the AWU, including oil and gas, manufacturing and defence to name a few. Peter was very well respected by members and peers across South Australia.

He was a trusted part of the AWU team and progressed to become the Branch President, National Vice-President and finally the South Australian Branch Secretary in 2017. Peter has spent over three decades representing AWU members, striving to achieve a better working life for workers in South Australia.

On behalf of the South Australian branch officials, members and staff we congratulate Peter on his stellar career and wish him and his family all the best in his retirement.

Departing South Australian Branch Secretary Peter Lamps