Dave Boreland celebrates 30 years as an employee at Sydney Steel Mill

Dave has had BHP, OneSteel, Arrium, GFG, Liberty and now InfraBuild embroidered on his hi-vis throughout his 30 years at Sydney Steel Mill with the site changing hands multiple times, but through all the many changes Dave has seen in the industry since 1994, “the AWU has been one constant,” he says.

New Union Alliance will fight for bright future for NSW mining communities

The AWU and Mining and Energy Union (MEU) are joining forces to launch a new Mining Union Alliance representing workers in metalliferous mining in NSW. 

How AustralianSuper is working to assist with recovering unpaid super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

As a fund that puts members first, AustralianSuper works with employees and employers to communicate the importance of super being paid correctly and on time.

VALE Mick O’Shea

Mick’s journey with the AWU began in 1947, at the age of 16, and he dedicated his life to the union.

When to check your super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

While you might not be looking to access your super now, it’s still important to be regularly checking your account.

Focus on safety nets joint NSW Delegate of the Year Award for Ray Webb

Ensuring his colleagues stay safe at work and get home safely to their families at the end of the day is the most important part of the job for Transport for NSW Team Leader Ray Webb.

‘110% effort’ sees TfNSW team leader Graham Campbell named joint Delegate of the Year 2023

A desire to ensure that management was held accountable for decisions made in the workplace led TfNSW Team Leader Graham Campbell to become an Australian Workers Union’ delegate more than 15 years ago. 

Albanese Government’s $200m investment puts Australia on path to becoming global green steel powerhouse

The Albanese Government’s $200 million grant to upgrade Australia’s steel industry is a crucial early step to realising Australia’s potential as a global green steel powerhouse.

DSI Underground delegates receive 2023 Yossi Berger Award

DSI’s vigilance, leadership and commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of their colleagues has seen them jointly win the AWU 2023 Yossi Berger Safety Award.

TfNSW delegates win AWU Campaign of the Year

A wide-ranging campaign to reinvigorate a network of members and delegates at Transport for NSW has been recognised as a joint winner of the Australian Workers’ Union 2023 Campaign of the Year 2023. 

Helping protect your super from financial scams | An AustralianSuper Editorial

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, targeting you in ways that seem very convincing. Help protect yourself by knowing what to look out for in keeping your super safe.

Molycop Waratah closure a sad day for the Hunter, Australian steel industry

The Australian Workers’ Union has described Molycop’s decision to cease production in steel-making and the Bar Mill at the Waratah site as a sad day for the Hunter region, and for the Australian steel industry.

5 Steps to Control your Super | An AustralianSuper Editorial

With the start of a new financial year, here are steps to help take control of your super.

A New NSW Branch Leadership!

There’s been some significant announcements across the AWU.

Never seen pants used as a negotiating tactic!

Workers at the RAAF base have begun industrial action at the Richmond RAAF base, and in response Airbus has locked the workers out as the dispute goes into a death spiral.

PPK workers walk off the job – rally for fairer deal!

Dale McNamara likes to claim he’s a friend to workers in the Hunter but he has betrayed the trust of his employees at PPK.

Reclassification – A WIN WELL DESERVED!

This win sets a precedent – meaning that approximately 200 employees across the state would receive backpay and progress immediately within their respective classification.

Growth for a Regional Community

Manski Pty Ltd, with its AWU workforce, is one of the newer engineering works based in Tamworth!

DSI Underground members stand together to support child cancer victim

About 130 AWU members and management at DSI Underground in Newcastle have come to together to support a workmate’s family whose three-year-old daughter is battling cancer.

Industrial Action: Transport NSW

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has tonight issued orders preventing industrial action planned by our members at Transport NSW tomorrow. AWU members are advised to attend work as normal tomorrow.

AWU welcomes NSW Labor’s pledge to prioritise local manufacturing

In his rely to the Liberal Government’s state budget, Labor Leader Chris Minns said a government he led would set local-content targets, increase tender weightings and set up a new commission to back manufacturers.

The AWU is here for you, onsite and offsite

To better understand what matters to the workers, our Organisers are always on the road, visiting current and future workplaces.

John Holland escapes prosecution after yet another safety breach

The AWU has again raised concerns about John Holland’s safety record after the construction giant narrowly escaped prosecution over a worker’s seven-metre fall on the Sydney Metro rail project.

New Blue Mountains tunnel must be built to standard

The AWU has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to build Australia’s longest road tunnel in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.

Woolworths Group teams up with Retail Supply Chain Alliance to support horticulture workers

Horticulture industry employees will benefit from a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Woolworths Group and the Retail Supply Chain Alliance this week which will see the organisations collaborate to safeguard the welfare of Australian workers.

Great day for fruit pickers as new award conditions kick in, despite farming lobby’s best efforts

In November 2021, the AWU secured an historic industrial win for fruit pickers to ensure every worker is entitled to $25.41 and hour.

Be with a top performing super fund | an AustralianSuper Editorial

Australian Super is one of Australia’s top performing funds over 20 years, which is why more than 2.5 million Australians choose them.

Tomago to recycle aluminium in new partnership

Capral has struck a recycling deal to provide feedstock to Australia’s biggest smelter, Tomago Aluminium in the NSW Hunter Valley.

AWU Criticises cynical Morrison Budget, calls for action on stagnant wages

The Federal Budget has lived up to expectations with a cynical grab bag of pre-election sweets aimed at getting the Morrison Government re-elected.

Seafood processor’s shift ruling scales new height for AWU members

De Costi Seafood, a subsidiary of Tasmanian-based Australian salmon farming company Tassal, will most likely have to pay its workers more than a million dollars in backpay after the Australian Workers’ Union won its case against the seafood giant in the Federal Court.

New fruit-picking rate to take effect on April 28

The Australian Workers’ Union is now counting down the days until April 28 when the new hourly minimum rate for fruit pickers will come into force.

NSW silica inquiry should cover every worker

One Day Longer…….

Originally a poem written by AWU Delegate Wayne Pringle inspired by the Boeing dispute in Newcastle. AWU members from Boeing were on strike for 265 days from 22nd June 2005 – 20th February 2006.

CBUS Superannuation

Cbus, the largest industry fund for the building, construction industry and allied industries with over 760, 000 members

Modern Slavery Continues

Geoff Smith, has been targeted by the Federal Government’s Border Force for helping desperate Pacific Islanders escape slave-like working conditions

AWU says Shearing Contractors Assoc email proves Ag Visa a threat to regional jobs

A recent email from an employer group obtained by the Australian Workers’ Union confirms the union’s fears that the Federal Government’s new Ag Visa scheme will flood regional Australia with poorly paid foreign workers at the expense of local jobs, especially among young women.

Lithium to supercharge local manufacturing

Lithium, the lightweight metal used to make batteries for our phones, laptops and, increasingly, our cars to supercharge local manufacturing in a post-carbon world.

Newcastle Delegate goes the extra mile for mental health

Special events such as R U OK? Day are great at highlighting mental health and reminding us to check in on ourselves and others – but for Mick, it’s a year-round campaign.

Newcastle Delegate goes the extra mile for mental health

Special events such as R U OK? Day are great at highlighting mental health and reminding us to check in on ourselves and others – but for Mick, it’s a year-round campaign.

Australia to China “Stop Cheating”

If the Government didn’t uphold tariffs on Chinese-made steel, Australia’s oldest steelmaker would consider ending steel production.

Aussie Jobs Going to China from AstraZeneca

The AWU has called for federal intervention to save hundreds of jobs now under threat at AstraZeneca’s Sydney facility.

Shearers test positive to COVID

The Australian Workers’ Union has condemned the dismissive attitude to workplace safety as shearer tests positive to COVID-19

AWU calls for greater accountability as National Taskforce releases Dust Disease Report

After an extensive consultation process, the National Dust Disease Taskforce has published its final report, which will advise the Federal Government’s upcoming legislative reform.

Huge Win for Traffic Controllers Delivered by AWU

The Australian Worker’ Union has achieved a big win for traffic controllers in the civil construction industry after the Fair Work Commission ordered employers to pay proper overtime rates for overnight workers.

Farewell to delegate Wayne Pringle

Silica Dust Victims Visit Australian Parliament House

The AWU is in Canberra again this week in a final push to keep workers safe from silica dust exposure, ahead of the report from the National Dust Disease Taskforce including meetings with key members of the Government, Opposition, and Crossbench to discuss Silicosis.

Mutual Recognition – Safety and Standards

The Mutual Recognition Bill would give power to Morrison Government allowing workers registered for an occupation in one state to be considered automatically registered in another, but with no additional checks.

BREAKING: Fuel Security Bill passed into law

South East Asian Visa – Reduces Wages – Disgrace

Support Tasal/ De Costi Workers

Workers in the offshore oil and gas industry are being encouraged to take part in a survey into their mental and physical health and safety

Australian Farming Sectors records the best results in 17 years

AWU welcomes intervention after raising alarm on dodgy practices and low morale at Snowy Hydro 2.0

AWU welcomes intervention after raising alarm on dodgy practices and low morale at Snowy Hydro 2.0

Snowy Hydro plan will help secure the future of Australia’s manufacturing base

Gupta deal should guarantee Whyalla jobs

The Australian Workers’ Unionf the Whyalla steelworks appears assured after iSanjeev Gupta inked a $430 million refinancing deal for it anTahmoor coking-coal mining operations.

AWU commemorates Union history on International Workers’ Memorial Day

On International Workers Memorial Day, AWU National Secretary Daniel Walton unveiled a powerful symbol of Australia’s industrial history in Western Sydney, and drew attention to the union’s tireless fight for fairness, both past and present.

AWU tips jobs boom in hydrogen transition

The Australian Workers’ Union says a key NSW Government inquiry into the development of a national hydrogen industry could help put the state at the front of a global hydrogen revolution.

Dequin Wade wins AWU NSW Delegate of the Year

Determined work on behalf of Australian Workers’ Union members at a northern NSW sugar mill has left Dequin Wade in a sweet spot as NSW Delegate of the Year.

AWU secures support for horticulture industry minimum wage and reforms

The Australian Workers’ Union has won important policy commitments at this week’s Australian Labor Party National Conference to combat wage theft and worker exploitation in the nation’s horticulture industry.

Time to step on the gas to save Australian manufacturing jobs

AWU National Secretary Speaks at Sydney Institute

Daniel Walton has painted a bright future for Australian manufacturing, if business, governments and the community are prepared for the challenge.

AWU and HSU response to media commentary from Leader of the Labor Party Jodi McKay

As part of our ordinary program of research, our unions commissioned polling concerning community attitudes to a number of policy matters relevant to our members.

Retail Supply Chain Alliance calls for Royal Commission at Parliament House

The Retail Supply Chain Alliance held a forum in Canberra this week to discuss ways to fix the widespread and systemic exploitation of workers in Australia’s fruit and vegetable industry.

2020 Yossi Berger Award presented to Infrabuild Steel Delegates

The outstanding health and safety efforts of AWU delegates in 2020 have been recognised and rewarded.

How the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built

By the early 1900s the construction of a bridge across Sydney harbour had become possible due to the engineering advances and developments in the local manufacture of prefabricated steel and reinforced concrete.

AWU NSW Branch announcement: Changing the guard

The AWU’s NSW branch has announced a change in the guard but will remain committed to expanding its membership and delivering better pay, conditions and workplace rights for workers across the state.

AWU NSW Branch announcement: Changing the guard

The AWU’s NSW branch has announced a change in the guard but will remain committed to expanding its membership and delivering better pay, conditions and workplace rights for workers across the state.

The Government must address high number of road fatalities involving seasonal workers on Aus farms

Shearers deserve long overdue award rate rise, says Australian Workers’ Union

The Australian Workers’ Union is calling for the award rate for shearers to be increased by at least one dollar for every sheep they shear.

Important update on super from Cbus

As the 2020 year comes to a close there is a great deal of noise and activity surrounding superannuation in the parliament, in the media, and some sections of the business community about making changes to our system that is held up as an example around the world.

Farewell to AWU Legend Wayne Phillips

It was the end of one era with a farewell to an Australian Workers’ Union legend but the start of a new chapter for the AWU NSW branch.

AWU National Secretary and AWU delegates led urgent talks in Canberra to safeguard thousands of jobs

The Australian Workers’ Union led urgent talks in Canberra this week bringing the Federal Government and the refining industry together to secure its future and safeguard thousands of jobs.

The 2021 AWU Youth Scholarship Program is now open

This scholarship is for AWU NSW members or their dependents who are under 21 years of age and want to pursue their interests, gain new skills, advance existing skills, attend training or complete studies.

AWU accuses Snowy Hydro 2.0 of putting workers lives at risk following critical workplace incident

The Australian Workers’ Union has accused Future Generation of priortising deadlines ahead of worker safety after a horrific incident left a Snowy Hydro 2.0 worker in a critical condition.

AWU push Graincorp for 12% pay increase

The Australian Workers’ Union is calling on GrainCorp to deliver its first decent pay rise to NSW members for years.

A manufactured outrage – Op-ed by Daniel Walton, AWU National Secretary

The hard switch to renewables being pushed by green activists would decimate our ability to make things.

AWU take De Costi to court alleging millions in backpay owed to graveyard shift workers

The Snowy Mountain Hydro Scheme is truly nation building

There can be few more deserving projects deemed to be truly nation building than the Snowy Mountains Hydro Scheme.

The Retail Supply Chain Alliance host packed meeting in Coffs Harbour

Berry pickers, farmers, suppliers, and retailers attended a packed meeting in Coffs Harbour this weekend where the Retail Supply Chain Alliance called for an end to worker exploitation.

Royal Commission’s report into last summer’s bush fire crisis will do little to prevent future catastrophes

The Australian Workers’ Union has warned the Royal Commission’s report into last summer’s bush fire crisis will do little to prevent future catastrophes unless funding is pumped into prevention.

Fairness and justice drives AWU Health and Safety Reps

There’s one statistic that stands out to Chris Hughes as to why AWU Health and Safety Representatives are so essential in the workforce.

Public sector wage decision a kick in the guts for bushfire heroes

The AWU has slammed the NSW Government’s cut to the wages of National Park firefighters who put life and limb on the line during the State’s bushfire disaster last summer.

For 130 years the union movement has fought for the funeral industry

For 130 years the union movement has proudly fought for better conditions and pay for workers in the funeral industry.

Firefighters will continue to be overstretched and under resourced across NSW, says the AWU.

The AWU, which represents firefighters across the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), says the recommendations of NSW Bushfire Inquiry will do little to rebuild the state’s forests and parks or prevent another horror bush fire season from taking place.

AWU Firefighters Win Safety Battle with NSW Government

AWU Members at Tomago Aluminium raise over $2 million in the last 30 years

It’s a big shout out to AWU members at Tomago Aluminium who have helped raise an astonishing two million dollars for local charities over the last 30 years.

AWU supporting workers devastated by Sydney factory fire

Workers affected by the devastating fire at Sphere Healthcare in Sydney will receive JobKeeper payments directly following the intervention of The Australian Workers’ Union NSW Branch.

Work with Us: INDUSTRIAL ORGANISER

The AWU NSW Branch is currently looking for an Industrial Organiser to join our NSW Branch Metro team.

O-I ANZ announces sale to Visy Industries

The Australian Workers’ Union will be seeking urgent meetings with Visy, the new owners of O-I Glass, to ensure jobs and conditions remain in place.

The Federal Government must extend JobKeeper for airline workers beyond September

The Australian Workers’ Union is calling on the Federal Government to extend its JobKeeper program for airline workers beyond September.

Unions winning the fight against casualisation

The Australian Workers’ Union and the union movement as a whole is winning the fight against the casualisation of Australia’s workforce.

We need permanent firefighting positions and funding to keep the state safe

The NSW Government has just announced it will fund an extra 125 firefighting positions across the state but crucially they will only be ready to start work by November – long after the critical fire hazard season has got underway – and will be funded for just one year.

Australians overwhelmingly back Australian-made campaign

A staggering 88 per cent of people agreed that Australia should be making more essential products.

20th Anniversary of the Ku-ran-gai Bushfire Tragedy

NSW Labor’s blocking of gas projects is a handbrake on manufacturing jobs and economic recovery

Bushfire funding must include Forestry Corporation and the National Parks & Wildlife Service

The recent funding boost to the Rural Fire Service (RFS) must be followed by a significant injection into the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW), says the Australian Workers’ Union.

AWU Women of Steel make history in feature documentary

The Women in Steel documentary – which tells the inspiring story of how a group of AWU women battled for years against BHP in order to achieve equality in the workplace – has been shortlisted for a Sydney Film Festival prize.

Alsco sacks 155 loyal workers with only hours notice

The Australian Workers’ Union has attacked US laundry giant Alsco’s decision to sack around 155 loyal workers without any warning as one of the cruellest and most shameful acts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Government Cuts Made Australia’s Summer from Hell Worse

Australia’s ‘Summer from Hell’ was exacerbated by a lack of planning, coordination and funding for bushfire services by all governments, according to the Australian Workers’ Union.

AWU wins unfair dismissal case for BlueScope delegate and long-time member

BlueScope Steel has been called out for its ‘harsh and unreasonable’ dismissal of a crane driver who has now won his job back.

AWU supporting Qantas members after further stand downs announced

Qantas has just revealed that up to a further 35 workers are being stood down across the Sydney-based Aircraft Engineering group.

How the AWU is Helping to Keep WestConnex Workers Safe from COVID-19

The AWU stands with members at Boral

The AWU has successfully fought off plans by Boral to stand down hundreds of members.

Rocla’s lazy decision to shut viable factory breaks western Sydney hearts 

AWU mining members are safer and more secure at work

The AWU has been in lengthy and detailed negotiations with Rio Tinto, BHP, Sodexo and FMG over new COVID-19 safety arrangements.

Unions seek clarity as Qantas announces further stand downs

The Qantas Engineers Alliance Unions are consulting with Qantas to address concerns relating to the second wave of engineering member stand downs.

Do you have a question about the JobKeeper program?

The AWU is here to support you through these challenging times with expert legal, industrial and health & safety advice.

Glass manufacturing  is absolutely essential to Australia’s economy

The Australian glass industry must be allowed to continue to play its vital role in powering the economy and supplying the building and construction industry.

Qantas members deserve access to JobKeeper payments

The Qantas Engineers Alliance is seeking urgent answers from Qantas management over its plans to draw on the newly announced JobKeeper allowance.

Petition launched to commemorate fallen NorthConnex Tunneller

A petition has been launched to name the NorthConnex tunnel after a much-loved and respected tunneller who lost his life on the project.

Member update: COVID-19 and the JobKeeper Program

The AWU is here to support you through these challenging times with expert legal, industrial and health & safety advice.

NSW Independent Bushfire Inquiry

Frontline cuts and an abject lack of planning by the NSW Government were major contributing factors to the 2019/2020 bushfire season, says the Australian Workers’ Union.

COVID-19 & Your Rights at Work

Stay up to date on news and information here.

AWU calls for immediate reinstatement of workers locked out without pay by Rocla in Western Sydney

More than 50 workers at Rocla in Emu Plains have been locked out of their workplace without pay, in a move the AWU has called highly irresponsible and highly aggressive.

Outdoor workers need greater protection from bushfire smoke, says AWU NSW

The NSW Government needs to step up and fund urgently needed research into the health impacts of exposure to bushfire smoke to protect its members employed in the construction, quarrying, road making and frontline fire services.

AWU NSW helps Member clean up the tune of $11,000

AWU Organiser and Industrial Officer have been instrumental in helping Jock negotiate a backdated travel allowance claim from his employer.

National Secretary Makes Statement on Proposed Sale of Rocla

National Secretary Daniel Walton has made the following statement in relation to a proposed sale of Rocla, supporting affected members.

Forestry sale defeat: A victory for workers and nature lovers

Bushfires this summer have stretched firefighters across the country, but the AWU is also celebrating some important wins.

Bushfire Trauma and Caring for Your Mental Health

Bushfires have had a significant impact on the well-being and mental health of AWU members, their families and communities.

NSW Branch Inaugural Health and Safety Representative Training Course

Contact your AWU organiser, and become a HSR today! Look out for your workmates, create a safe and healthy workplace.

Union Summit Urges Action on Support for Emergency Services

AWU calls for more action to help front-line workers and those affected by catastrophic bushfires while in Canberra.

Costa Condemned for Allowing Agricultural Workers to Live in Slum-like Conditions

Over 70 migrant workers were crammed into a single house, forced to pay $100 a week each in rent.

Visa Assist for AWU Members

The AWU provides free legal immigration and visa services for our members.

Smoke Haze – Stay Safe this Summer

Protect yourself from hazardous bushfire smoke this summer.

Beat the Heat

Working in excessive heat can lead to serious illnesses and sometimes even death.

NSW 2019 Delegate of the Year Awarded to Wayne Pringle

Tomago Aluminium Delegate Wayne Pringle has been awarded the 2019 NSW Delegate of the Year.

Hairstylists Retain Penalty Rates in Landmark Fair Work Decision

In a massive win for Hair Stylists Australia (HSA), the Fair Work Commission has rejected Hair and Beauty Australia’s (HABA) bid to slash penalty rates for hair and beauty workers.

2019: A look back on the Aluminium Industry

Negotiations, energy policy, and smelters under threat – here’s a look at the news that’s shaped the Aluminium industry this year

2019 Proves a Tough Year for AWU Firefighters

Bushfires this summer have stretched firefighters across the country, but the AWU is also celebrating some important wins.

2019: A Year in Review for the Oil and Gas Industry

It’s been a busy year for the Oil and Gas industry in Australia, with negotiations, industrial action, sales and campaigns.

2019: A Year in Review for the Civil Construction Industry

2019 has been a big year for Construction, with negotiations, industrial action, and some major projects on the horizon.

Work Shouldn’t Hurt – Don’t take a chance on musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common form of workplace injury in Australia, causing damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, spinal discs, nerves, joints and bones.

Don’t Risk Roundup – Get the Facts on Glyphosate

Glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup, is a herbicide used to kill weeds. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has said there is strong evidence that exposure to glyphosate causes cancer.

Is Your Workplace Safe from SILICA DUST?

Each year 600,000 Australian workers are exposed to silica dust.

Cbus Update: Putting Members’ Interests First

A year-long campaign by Cbus on behalf of our members culminated in a nail-biting two weeks in September as Federal Parliament debated a bill that had huge ramifications for our members’ insurance cover.

AWU NSW Calls for 10 Days Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave in Australia

AWU NSW Staff members are joining thousands of other Aussie workers in calling for 10 days paid domestic violence leave in Australia.

Wollongong AWU Retired Members Luncheon

Each year, the Australian Workers’ Union New South Wales branch hosts lunches for our retired members at Newcastle, Sydney, and Wollongong.

AWU Members Fight Together for a Fair Deal

AWU members employed at Rocla, Emu Plains recently came together to show solidarity towards gaining an improved and fair deal from their Enterprise Agreement negotiations.

AWU NSW Retired Members Reunion at Granville

Thank you to all of our retired members, for what they have done for the union movement and in particular, the AWU.

The 2019 AWU Retired Members’ Reunion in Newcastle

This year at the annual AWU Retired Members Luncheon in Newcastle the retired members commemorated the 20th anniversary of the closure of the BHP Newcastle steelworks.

A Message from CBUS – Death and Disability Insurance

Does your insurance cover you at work?

UNION WINS: Proposed Cuts to NSW Public Sector Long-service Leave Entitlements Defeated

The New South Wales government proposed to cut back long-service leave entitlements for public sector workers. The AWU and other Unions quickly lobbied the NSW upper house to ensure this bill was defeated this June.