Union workers in the multi-billion-dollar Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project are preparing to take industrial action. They are fighting for higher wages and safer working conditions. Over 1,000 workers are expected to kick off this strike, driven to take action after months of speaking up about unsafe working conditions and not being compensated enough. The union states that the lack of any actual movement on these important issues is intolerable. They’ve listed a few essential demands to improve the wellbeing of their members.
The previous, conservative Turnbull government announced the Snowy 2.0 project in 2017. At full build-out as soon as late 2027, this ambitious initiative will provide up to 2.2 gigawatts of clean electricity to the national grid. The project has been marred by major last-minute setbacks such as the claims of unsafe working conditions and food treatment deficiencies. In 2023, SafeWork NSW did the unprecedented and announced an investigation following complaints that maggots were discovered in food provided to workers on site.
Safety Concerns and Investigations
Safety concerns have surrounded the Snowy 2.0 project from the beginning. Just in the past month, work was stopped again for three weeks after a ventilation fan exploded. The blast blew red hot metal shrapnel across the area. These events have raised standard and grave concerns regarding what appears to be the slave like conditioned fate of workmen. This project is a key to Australia’s future energy needs.
Making big promises with big money just isn’t enough. The union is right to put a laser focus on protecting workers. We can’t truly move forward until those changes are made.
“The project has been plagued by substandard safety conditions.” – Tony Callinan
As frustration rises among employees, the union has released detailed demands not just to make them safer but to respectively change their working environment. Workers should be pushing for renewed attention to the quality of food provided on-site. They’re demanding a $140 per day, fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers camp allowance and an increase of about 15 percent to the $23 meal allowance for unscheduled overtime.
Worker Demands and Union Actions
The union is calling for night shift rates to be doubled. They further ask for a minimum of two mental health days per year for all employees. Workers would rather be flown in and out of Canberra than Cooma airport. Based on what we heard from them, we think this transition would significantly improve their experience across the board.
He went on to describe the emotional impact FIFO work can have on workers.
Workers are fed up to the last degree. They get the sense that headquarters management is just giving lip service to their concerns. All too often these stakeholders do not feel like their concerns are being heard or fully addressed, creating a sense of urgency to take action.
“Our members and delegates are currently planning and discussing strategies to put more pressure on the company to come to the table and accept the offer.” – Tony Callinan
With a big potential strike on the horizon, union leaders are intent on making certain that the voices of these workers are heard. They make the point that those doing the same work behind the scenes in industry should be compensated fairly.
“It’s no secret that working remotely and working FIFO does have a negative impact on people’s mental health.” – Tony Callinan
Frustration Among Workers
The sentiment among workers appears to be one of growing frustration due to perceived indifference from management regarding their concerns. Many feel that their complaints are either ignored or inadequately addressed, leading to a sense of urgency for action.
“They’re getting frustrated either by no response or by responses that don’t meet their expectations.” – Tony Callinan
As the strike approaches, union leaders are determined to ensure that workers’ voices are heard. They emphasize that people performing similar roles in the industry deserve equitable pay.
“People doing the same work in the same industry, even for the same employer, should get the same rate of pay.” – Tony Callinan
