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The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) has announced the resolution of a 12-month-long wage dispute for South Australian submarine workers.
Under the announcement, 350 trades and operator support workers at the ASC maintenance and sustainment facility in Adelaide will gain, on average, an 18.5 per cent increase in their wages, bringing them in line with their Western Australian counterparts.
Members of the 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 per cent 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.
“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,” AMWU SA acting state secretary Stuart Gordon said.
“This agreement will give ASC the ability to retain and attract the high-skilled workforce in Adelaide needed for Collins and future AUKUS work.”
