Standing up for workers rights in South Australia

It’s been a busy few months at the South Australian branch, with organisers out across the state working hard for our members. We’ve stepped up our efforts at BHP Olympic Dam, laying the groundwork early for future EA negotiations. The current agreement expires in 2028, and we want to take the opportunity to fight for much stronger wages and conditions for workers.

We’ve conducted numerous site visits this year, and while we thought it might be difficult to get on site, the AWU has been able to access both surface and underground crib rooms, talking to workers about what matters most to them. Engagement with our organising team has been very positive and encouraging, and it’s clear that workers onsite are keen for a better deal from BHP! The branch has several more visits planned for this year, where we’re looking forward to getting more workers on board and growing the union.

SA Branch President Mick Hopgood, Assistant National Secretary Chris Donovan and National Organiser Shane Roulstone at BHP Olympic Dam

Up in the Riverland and Mallee regions, hundreds of PALM workers are returning to farms and orchards, and the AWU works hard to ensure they’re treated fairly and paid correctly.

The AWU has secured important reforms in the PALM scheme, and now,the union is out making sure employers are doing the right thing and keeping up with new regulations.

Organisers notched up a big win recently for Costa workers in the Riverland. Until last year, some workers were expected to become the ‘bus driver’ and transfer their workmates – for free. After the AWU’s intervention, drivers are now paid for their work, and have also received backpay. We’re currently fighting for 45 PALM workers in the Mallee region, who have been asked to sign agreements that paid less than the Horticultural Award. Our organiser found penalty rates were halved, and we’re now fighting to secure back pay for affected members.

PALM workers usually live in accommodation provided by their employer, which makes it hard for them to speak up. That’s why the branch has been holding off-site meetings, to give workers the chance to open up about issues at work or on their accommodation. Disappointingly, some employers still fail to provide the basics. Our organisers have had to step in for members forced to live in housing with broken furniture and no cooking devices, which have now been fixed. If something’s not up to scratch, the AWU is on hand to make things right. Every worker deserves a clean, comfortable place to rest and recover after a long shift!

We also welcome a further $105 million of funding to support the Nyrstar smelters in Port Pirie and Hobart. As well as securing operations until the end of the year, the funding includes two-year feasibility study to expand production of critical minerals.

Meanwhile in Whyalla, AWU members are working hard at the steelworks to resume production. Progress for a buyer is tracking well, and both state and federal governments remain committed to supporting the steelworks. We’ll continue to do everything we can to secure a positive outcome for the steelworks and for over 1200 workers.