South Australian submarine workers are celebrating the resolution of a 12 month-long wage dispute after securing a win that sees 350 trades and operator support workers at the ASC maintenance and sustainment facility in Adelaide gain on average an 18.5% increase in their wages, bringing them into line with their Western Australian counterparts.
Members of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) have been calling for the company to address pay parity concerns, culminating in months of industrial campaigning.
The deal means workers will receive on average 18.5% up front, and then will experience future increases in line with ASC workers in WA. ASC workers in WA are currently negotiating their enterprise bargaining agreement.
The maintenance crew at the Osborne Naval Shipyard currently work on the Collins Class submarines which will be in operation for another two decades through the Life of Type Extension project, in support of the Royal Australian Navy.
These workers will serve a critical role once nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS are built.
AMWU SA Acting State Secretary Stuart Gordon will be available for comment.
AMWU SA Acting State Secretary Stuart Gordon said:
“Workers know the value of their labour. The principle of same job, same pay rang true in our lunchrooms and on our picket lines. By standing together in unity, union members and ASC have achieved a great outcome.”
“This agreement will give ASC the ability to retain and attract the high-skilled workforce in Adelaide needed for Collins and future AUKUS work.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580