AMIEU Newcastle, Northern, South Australia & Tasmania

28/05/2026

If you’re in the NSW area shown below, or in South Australia or Tasmania, we’re your AMIEU branch!

22/05/2026

This week the International Court of Justice affirmed that the right to strike is protected under international law. Big corporations and employer organisations attempted to overturn this right internationally, arguing it had no basis in law. Unions fought back, and won.

The ruling gives a huge boost to workers all over the world. The right to strike is strongly linked to better wages and safer workplaces the world over. It has also helped to reduce economic inequality and strengthen and promote democracy.

Without the right to withdraw labour collectively, employers hold all the power at the bargaining table. Bargaining therefore becomes little more than asking the boss nicely.

But under Australia’s current “protected action” system, workers face a labyrinth of red tape and legal hurdles before they can lawfully stop work. Secret ballots, notice periods and ministerial intervention all make it harder for workers to take collective action, while employers retain enormous economic power through restructures, outsourcing and lockouts.

A true right to strike is a worker's most powerful weapon, and the AMWU will campaign for the removal of all legislation that restricts our ability to defend ourselves from the greed and violence of private capital.

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Don't judge Pauline Hanson by what she says — judge her by what she has done.

Voted against 'Same Job Same Pay': Opposed laws that ensure all workers are paid what they are worth.

Voted to cut penalty rates: Wanted to slash Sunday penalties and holiday loading.

Voted for $24 billion in corporate tax cuts: Handed billions to big banks and mining giants over workers and their families.

Fuel price hikes: Supports Trump and the conflict that has pushed petrol prices to over $2 a litre.

Funded by billionaires: Received over $2 million in donations and was gifted a private plane from mining magnate Gina Rinehart.

If she got her way, life would be a thousand times worse for workers.

A leopard never changes its spots.

14/05/2026

Coming soon to Western Lake Macquarie.

14/05/2026

Prices are rising faster than expected. Inflation is now tipped to hit around 5% by mid-year.

This is why we have updated our claim. It would help nearly 2.7 million workers keep up with the cost of living, while starting to repair the real wage losses people have copped over the past five years.

The workers affected are more likely to be low paid, women, or in casual jobs. They have the least room to absorb another hit.

The good news is the economy can handle it. Budget and RBA forecasts show growth holding up and employers in a position to afford a fair increase.

This is about keeping people above water now and making steady progress back to where they should be.

13/05/2026

Did you know AMIEU members have received over $63,000 in benefits since 1 July 2025?
That’s real support for real people when they need it most. ✊

05/05/2026

The RBA is an again punishing workers for an economic outcome they did not create and are not responsible for.

Working people have already been hit from every angle – higher fuel prices, rising grocery costs, and skyrocketing bills – driven by corporate profit gouging and global instability. Now interest rate hikes are making it even harder, putting pressure on mortgages, rent, and everyday living.

The RBA is now acting as a means of wealth redistribution, from the workers to the very wealthy. We see it for what it is – rob the workers to feed the greed of the rich.
While unions are working hard to lift workers heads above the cost of living, the RBA is doing its best to drown us in debt.

It's worth noting the RBA chief is paid more than $1.2 million, compared to the annual median wage of a working Australian which is $74k!

07/01/2026

The link to update your details is in the comments 👇📞📨📬

18/12/2025