Fighting for your rights in SA

After a massive 65 years, the blast furnace is finally shutting down for good at the Whyalla steelworks. As the process for a buyer enters its final weeks, the administrators confirmed that the furnace will enter care and maintenance, with product to be imported to keep the rolling mill operational.  The loss of the blast furnace does not harm the sales process, which is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. The state government has always been clear that closure of the blast furnace would happen, and this does not undermine the long-term vision of the Whyalla steelworks as a green steel powerhouse.

This is a day we knew was coming, but it’s nevertheless incredibly difficult for 500 impacted workers and their families. From redeploying to another company in the region, or taking an early retirement, the AWU will stand with every member who needs our help.

Trained AWU delegates and HSRs mean safer worksites, better wages and conditions, and a stronger union. In the last year, we trained over 45 AWU delegates from Local Government, Smelters, Steelworks, Defence and Manufacturing. We recently conducted a successful half-day training session for our delegates at the Whyalla Steelworks, to discuss the upcoming transition process, which means we can facilitate industry specific training. We’re also planning to train our first PALM scheme delegates with a specific session focused on PALM matters.

We also provide training for Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) and have trained over 100 HSRs this year. HSRs represent AWU members with all safety matters, and the SA Branch can deliver training. No matter how experienced you are, only trained HSRs can fulfill their duties. If you’re interested in becoming an HSR, or receiving delegate training, please contact your organiser.

This year has been exceptionally busy for the industrial team in South Australia, and we continue to deliver good outcomes for our members. From a individual unfair dismissal matters to workers’ compensation claims and two major litigation files running in the background, we are on the front foot, achieving strong results and protecting workers’ rights. On the unfair dismissal front, we’ve handled a significant volume of cases, the vast majority of which were resolved at the South Australian Employment Tribunal and Fair Work Commission conciliation stage. One standout result saw us secure 26 weeks’ pay for a member – because our industrial team works hard to get results.

Equally encouraging has been our workers compensation wins. Since April 2026, we’ve taken on 12 new claims, and have been mostly successful. From helping an injured worker navigate the return-to-work process, challenging a disputed decision, or securing weekly payments and medical expenses, our intervention has made a tangible difference.

The branch is also pursuing two major litigation matters through the courts. The first is a Federal Court case, defending a group of AWU PALM members. Their employer, Zerella, failed to pay overtime, and members are owed over $600,000. While there’s a long way to go, the proceedings have already shone a spotlight on practices that we believe have no place in horticulture, and our legal team is working hard to hold the employer to account.

The SA Branch is also pursuing a claim in the South Australian Employment Tribunal on behalf of 47 AWU members, after their employer, BIS Industries, failed to pass on a 6.9% wage increase that we say was due on 2 September 2023. This has cost workers around $329,000, plus superannuation and interest, and we are also seeking a pecuniary penalty. Settlement discussions have taken place, and while the matter remains unresolved, we are fully committed to achieving a just outcome for our Whyalla members. A big thanks goes to Organiser Shane Karger, who’s on-the-ground presence has been vital in keeping the claimant group informed and engaged.

The SA Branch is here for all members, both for individual matters and larger cases that will set a new standard for the industry.

As workers continue to be treated unfairly at work by their employer and require legal representation, it surely pays to be union!