Snowy Hydro in particular is in a very tight spot. Now the union representing its workers is threatening to file strike actions as a result of these protracted disputes over wages and working conditions. Last month, more than 1,000 construction workers walked off the job at the multi-billion dollar Snowy Hydro pumped hydro energy project. This project has been rife with catastrophic tunneling delays due to extremely adverse geological conditions. The stakes have been raised. Workers are currently engaging in pay negotiations to ensure they earn the same as their unionised counterparts working for WeBuild on the North East Link Tunnels in Melbourne.
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has granted Snowy Hydro permission to use a fourth tunnel boring machine. This new machine, christened “Sophie,” is expected to start digging by the end of this year. This announcement comes amid widespread worker actions protesting long-standing issues with pay inequities and unsafe working conditions. Darren Cameron, the union’s lead organiser, said that workers should expect to be Australia’s best paid tunnelers.
Worker Walkouts and Safety Concerns
The recent collective walkout is a symptom of longstanding resentment among the rank and file. In a recent T articles’ larger meeting with workers at Snowy Mountains Airport, just outside Cooma, Cameron explained the discontent. He pointed out that workers today are not just striking for more pay but for more safety equipment on construction sites.
“We are obviously here in dispute over the wages and we’ve been in dispute for years over safety, so to have both issues come up at the same time might be pivotal for us.” – Jarred Pearce
For context, Cameron claimed that the union had been effectively prevented from communicating with certain members throughout the strike. He noted concerns regarding workers’ isolation in remote camps, stating that the living conditions hinder effective communication with family and friends.
“The isolation factor of living in a remote camp means communications are not the greatest in terms of being able to reach out to their friends and families.” – Mark Cross
Legal Action Considered
As tensions escalated, Cameron suggested that a lawsuit will be needed. He claimed that workers were practically quarantined in camps with no legal basis for those limitations.
“They actually, physically locked our members down into camps and they have no legal right to do that, and that will be taken further by our legal options.” – Mr Cameron
He pointed out that a top-down management issued directive prevented workers from entering or exiting the project site. This limitation further contributed to their frustrations.
“To add insult to injury, the project put out a directive that nobody could leave the project or enter the project.” – Mr Cameron
Future of Snowy Hydro Project
There are major hurdles for Snowy Hydro to overcome. Securing approval for the fourth tunnel boring machine will continue to be vital in getting the project on schedule. The multi-billion dollar venture has a singular focus on providing renewable energy solutions. In recent years, it has been plagued by major tunneling operation delays.
Cameron reiterated that workers want to see the $12 billion project completed efficiently while ensuring fair compensation and safety standards are upheld. The pressure further mounts on Snowy Hydro, as the company finds it increasingly hard to quell this rising tide of discontent within its workforce.
WeBuild and Snowy Hydro have been contacted for their comments on these developments. Both the collaborative companies will be vital to success of this ambitious alternative energy project.
