Victoria fighting for members

The AWU is mourning the loss of a true union man and life member John Saddington, who passed away on 25 April 2026. John made his name in construction as a proud member of the BWIU, standing firm through some of the toughest fights of his era.

He remained deeply connected to the history of construction unionism, including work alongside retired Commissioner Ryan on matters connected to the old BLF, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to construction workers and the movement he helped build. John later joined the AWU as an Organiser in construction, and even in retirement he never really left us. He spent many years as the office handyman, keeping the place running and never short of an opinion or a story.

A proud Collingwood supporter, John brought the same loyalty and passion to his footy as he did to the union movement, and he never forgot where he came from. His last union gathering with mates was at David Cragg’s celebration at the VTHC, true to the end. Solidarity forever. Rest in peace, John. You will always be remembered.

Here is a snapshot of the Victoria members and experiences the AWU’s Industrial team and our organisers has supported over recent months, this is a small sample of the many issues that come across our desks.

A member working in aluminium production was denied parental leave after his employer described the entitlement as discretionary. The AWU pursued the matter on the member’s behalf and recovered both the unpaid leave and $4,800 in superannuation owed for that period.

A member working in the funeral industry was dismissed by his employer on the grounds that he was unfit for work. He contacted the AWU, which represented him through the dispute and negotiated a settlement of $20,500.

When PWB Vegetation Management dismissed a member and labelled the decision a redundancy, the company appeared to assume the matter would simply go away. They did not respond to the claim, submit the required forms, or appear at the Fair Work Commission hearing. The AWU stayed with the member throughout, and it was only after the Fair Work Ombudsman intervened and placed the company on notice that he received the $21,000 he was owed.

In the energy sector, two members were stood down following allegations of misconduct. The AWU represented both members through the process. The allegations were subsequently withdrawn, and each member received a redundancy package of $150,000, totalling $300,000. That is the point of this Union. When you are a member of the AWU, you are not alone. To every member, delegate and HSR across Victoria, thank you for the work you do. We are right beside you.