Victoria standing stronger together

At the West Gate Tunnel, our members achieved a major safety breakthrough that’s now setting industry standards. When workers reported health problems during asphalt work, our delegates and HSRs took immediate action. We’ve now established that super-hot asphalt cannot be used in tunnels or enclosed workplaces across Australia. This victory will protect AWU members on projects nationwide.

When a Victorian caravan manufacturer announced sudden closure, we took them straight to the Fair Work Commission and won an additional $35,000 on top of redundancy payouts, roughly $1,296 extra in every member’s pocket.

Victoria’s forest firefighters are still fighting after more than a year of protected industrial action. They’re still paid 7-14% less than Parks Victoria colleagues doing identical work. They’ve fought tirelessly, and every single day, still turned out for emergencies. They’ll keep going until they win.

Our Mental Health Day Raffle raised an incredible $21,000! A fantastic effort by AWU members and supporters that will go directly towards mental health support and resources for our union family. For $50, participants weren’t just in the running for great prizes. They were standing with their fellow AWU members, breaking down stigma, and ensuring our union family has access to the care and support they need.

This year, we’re continuing our support of vital mental health initiatives via HunterLink and Path of the Horse, providing crucial resources to AWU members struggling with their mental health.

HunterLink provides free, 24/7 confidential counselling for all AWU Victoria members and their families, and you can always reach out for help. Part of the raffle funds are also supporting Path of the Horse in Trentham, to help individuals rebuild confidence, find calm, and navigate their mental health journey.

At InfraBuild Laverton, our members are implementing rolling industrial action after decisively rejecting an inadequate enterprise agreement. After four years of disputes, safety failures, and wages falling behind, workers have reached their limit. AWU members at the site are implementing 12 to 24 hour stoppages on a rolling basis until the company returns to the bargaining table with a fair offer. The decision follows a mass meeting where support for industrial action was unanimous and emphatic. Our members are seeking fair wages that keep pace with cost-of-living increases and improved workplace conditions after years of safety failures.

As we wrap up another year, I want to thank our members, delegates and HSRs for your strength, solidarity and commitment. Without you, we cannot do what we do best: help, fight, and make sure all our members are looked after. Have a safe and happy Christmas. Together, we are stronger.

Laverton members continue protected industrial action