Hundreds of critical defence shipbuilders at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide are walking off the job as BAE Systems Australia’s leadership team addresses its maritime workforce on Monday 10am local time, in response to a sustained dispute over workers’ wages.
Over 400 workers from the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU), and around 100 workers from the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) and the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) are taking industrial action during an all-hands meeting hosted by BAE Systems Maritime Australia Acting Manager Director Paul Berryman.
AMWU members have been tasked with the critical Hunter Class Frigate Program that will provide continuous naval shipbuilding capability for the country, and will compliment future AUKUS work with its anti-submarine capability.
It comes at a critical juncture as the program commences with the construction of the first of the Hunter Class Frigates, and as BAE Systems Australia bolsters its workforce to support the program.
Workers will commence maintenance and upgrades mid-year on the Hobart-Class Destroyers as part of the Defence Capability Enhancement Program.
The workforce also conducts work on Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
The highly skilled workers at BAE Osborne are seeking a 30 per cent wage increase on average over three years to keep them in line with industry rates.
Currently, BAE workers are paid on average 20 per cent less than other workers with the same skills in the shipbuilding industry.
BAE Systems Australia is currently offering workers a 12 per cent wage increase over three years.
The blue-collar workers have been undertaking stoppages in the last month, having been in negotiations with the multinational company since July 2024.
There will be opportunities for the media of the workers’ walk out to Mersey Road, Osborne at 10am local time and the AMWU SA State Secretary Peter Bauer will be available for comment on the picket line.
The AMWU SA Acting State Secretary Stuart Gordon will be available for comment from 12:30pm at the AMWU SA Branch address at 53 Dale St, Port Adelaide.
AMWU SA Acting State Secretary Stuart Gordon said:
“Workers at BAE are rightly angry that they are paid on average 20 per cent less than other workers with the same skills in the same industry.”
“We are the highly skilled tradespeople who are building the next generation of ships for the Australia Defence Force.”
“We are taking a stand because BAE isn’t recognising the value of our skills and our work.”
“BAE wouldn’t accept lower quality ships, so why should we accept lower wages.”
“The future of the industry is built on attracting and retaining our skills and experience.”
“Same job, same pay – that’s why we’re out, and that’s what will resolve it.”
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580