Over 1,000 Snowy Hydro 2.0 Workers Strike for 24 Hours Amid Pay Disputes

Introduction
More than 1,000 workers at the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project in New South Wales have gone on a 24-hour strike to protest pay disparities and what they describe as “obscene” working conditions. The dispute centers around pay negotiations between the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and Future Generation Joint Venture (FGJV), led by Italian company Webuild. Workers are demanding pay parity with employees on Webuild’s North East Link project in Melbourne, as well as improvements in safety and living conditions.

The strike highlights ongoing tensions between workers and management, with allegations of unsafe practices, inadequate facilities, and restrictive measures during industrial action.

Details of the Strike
The strike was organized after months of unsuccessful negotiations between the AWU and FGJV. Key points include:

• Workers are pushing for a 10% to 12% upfront pay increase to match wages of those on the North East Link project.
• The Snowy Hydro 2.0 workforce operates on a fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) basis, working 12-hour shifts for two weeks straight before taking a week off.
• AWU NSW Secretary Tony Callinan accused Webuild of wasting the first 10 weeks of negotiations by refusing to engage with the union’s claims.

Callinan emphasized the harsh conditions faced by workers, stating: “Those working Snowy 2.0 live and work in the wilderness in the middle of winter, and when they’re not underground tunnelling, they’re confined to Spartan work camps.”

Employer Response and Restrictions
In response to the strike, FGJV imposed strict restrictions on workers, barring them from leaving the site. Deputy Project Director Kevin Dunning announced:

• Access to the site would be temporarily restricted, and any attempt to leave could result in disciplinary action.
• “Crib areas,” or spaces used for meals and breaks, would be reserved only for workers actively on the job.
• Vehicle inspections would increase to enforce compliance.

Callinan described these measures as extreme, likening the situation to a “prisoner of war camp.” He argued that workers should have the freedom to leave the site during unpaid periods if they choose to do so.

Safety Concerns and Allegations
This is not the first time workers at Snowy Hydro 2.0 have taken industrial action. Safety concerns have been a recurring issue, including:

• Reports of live maggots found in food served at the mess hall, which sparked outrage given the remote location with no alternative dining options.
• A malfunctioning industrial-sized fan in February led to a halt in drilling activities. Subsequent inspections revealed similar issues with other fans, some missing critical bolts.
• Safety refuge chambers were found inoperable due to lack of maintenance, raising questions about emergency preparedness.

These incidents underscore broader worries about the general safety and maintenance of the site. Workers feel their concerns are being ignored, exacerbating frustrations.

Broader Implications for Industrial Relations
This strike highlights ongoing challenges in Australia’s construction industry, particularly regarding:

• Fair pay and conditions for FIFO workers operating in remote and challenging environments.
• The need for employers to engage meaningfully with unions during negotiations.
• Ensuring workplace safety standards are upheld, especially on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Union leaders stress that resolving these disputes is crucial to maintaining morale and productivity, as well as safeguarding workers’ rights and safety.

Facility Details
The Snowy Hydro 2.0 project is located in the remote wilderness of New South Wales, where workers face harsh weather conditions and isolation. The project involves extensive underground tunnelling and requires workers to live in basic, on-site camps for extended periods.