Fighting for workers – and winning!

Now halfway into 2026, the NSW Branch has been busy securing improved wages and conditions in agreements and advocating for our members industrially.

AWU members at Thales in Muwala have been standing together through protected industrial action after months of negotiations reached a standstill. For many, this was the first time they had ever taken protected industrial action. The site had not taken protected action in more than a decade. The campaign was led by a strong group of first-time delegates who stepped up and led the agreement negotiations. The result was 13.5% over three years. Negotiations presented a major learning curve for a new group of delegates, but they rose to the challenge and delivered for their workmates. All members involved should be proud of themselves for what they achieved.

At Zinfra in NSW, the AWU secured an important win for members around paid meal breaks. Members who worked through their meal breaks due to emergency responses were not being paid at the correct penalty rates. The AWU lodged the matter on behalf of members successfully. Members who work through their meal breaks will now have those breaks paid at penalty rates. Thank you to our industrial team for all the work they put into achieving this outcome.

The Fair Work Commission recently ordered reinstatement and backpay for a long-term AWU member who was dismissed after breaching the drug and alcohol policy at Downer. The AWU challenged the dismissal in the Fair Work Commission.

While the Commission accepted there was a valid reason for disciplinary action, it found that dismissal was too harsh in all the circumstances, particularly given the member’s long and unblemished service. As a result, the Commission ordered that the worker be reinstated. The decision has been appealed by the employer and is pending an outcome.

The Fair Work Commission has also recently  handed down its decision regarding payment to outload casual workers at GrainCorp for various conditions, determining that they are entitled to payment for travel time, meals (as a living away from home allowance) and motel accommodation. This is a huge win for casual workers, and would not have been possible without the support of all AWU members working at GrainCorp.

The AWU’s industrial team secured a significant settlement for a long-time member that was unfairly terminated by their employer following their return to work from a workplace injury.

The AWU stepped in, lodged an unfair dismissal and supported the member through the process. No worker should be punished for accessing their legal entitlements, especially after recovering from an injury sustained at work.

Whether it is delegates leading protected action for a fair agreement, or our industrial team supporting members, the AWU secures wins for its members.

Zinfra members standing strong!