Message from the QLD Branch Secretary: Spring 2024

It’s been a busy Spring at the AWU Queensland Branch, with workers in sugar, aviation, aluminium, health, and so many more all fighting back in the workplace!

After nearly 18 months of negotiations and industrial action, a majority of workers at Wilmar Sugar have agreed to a new EA. The agreement includes a significant pay increase, better conditions, and the conversion of 35 fixed-term or seasonal workers to become permanent. This outcome was fought for by AWU members over months of industrial action.

Our members went toe-to-toe with a giant multinational corporation that was willing to do whatever it took to save a dollar. We prevailed by standing together united and not backing down until Wilmar listened to the demands of our members. Great work everyone, organised labour will always beat organised greed!

Meanwhile, aircraft maintenance engineers at Qantas have downed tools and taken industrial action for the first time in almost twenty years. In the past decade, our members have copped 4 years of wage freezes, meaning pay has increased just 12% over ten years.

Qantas is back to making billion-dollar profits after the pandemic, so it’s time for management to come to the table with a fair offer. Our members won’t give up until we secure an EA in line with aviation industry standards.

Workers at G.James have also dug in, and after 18 months took industrial action to escalate the campaign for a fair EA.

After three weeks of work bans and two full-day stoppages, G.James returned to the table with a 15% wage increase over three years and an increase in shift allowance to 15% on afternoons and 30% on nights.

Up in Townsville, workers at Glencore Port have rallied together in their fight for a new EA with a fantastic result. Membership soared to over 80% through negotiations, backed by AWU Delegate Sharpey, and under the new EA, some members will see a 22% wage increase over four years!

To every AWU member who joined our fight in these past few months – thank you. With your help, we are winning the fight to build power, increase wages, and secure better outcomes for workers across Queensland.