AWU members celebrate victory after Alcoa's attempt to stop industrial action dismissed
AWU members at Alcoa Portland have scored a significant victory after the Fair Work Commission dismissed the company's application to stop workers taking protected industrial action.
Following an urgent hearing on Sunday before Commissioner Fox, the Commission ruled in favour of the union and rejected Alcoa's bid to suspend the strike action.
The decision means AWU members have won the right to continue industrial action to secure better pay and conditions.
With 85% of members voting to overwhelmingly reject the company's latest enterprise agreement offer, workers can now proceed with protected industrial action, which is currently impacting night shift operations as negotiations remain deadlocked.
"Our members have shown incredible solidarity in standing together for a fair outcome," said Carl Millard, AWU Southwest Organiser.
"The company's attempts to remove crucial worker protection clauses whilst offering below-inflation pay rises simply isn't acceptable."
Key sticking points in negotiations include:
Pay increases: Union seeking minimum 15% over three years tied to CPI or whichever is greater
Job security: Protection of members' wages whilst they await Fair Work Commission outcomes following unfair dismissal. This condition has been in place for over 15 years, and Alcoa is trying to remove it. The company are trying to remove the ability for members to raise a dispute over any employee related matters.
Senior Site Delegate role: Recognition of the Senior Site Delegate position as a "Primary Role" this is a position that has existed for over 40 years and for the first time in Alcoa history is currently a female SSD.
Superannuation: 14% super calculated on total wages
Backpay: EA ratification backdated to 30 June
"Despite the company's advertising about valuing their workforce, their actions tell a different story," said AWU Country Lead Organiser Ross Kenna.
"They've spent substantial resources trying to block legitimate industrial action through the courts rather than coming to the table with a fair offer. It shows their priorities around valuing their workforce are a farce." The protected industrial action will continue as negotiations remain deadlocked.
The union emphasises that any action falls within legal parameters and maintains safety standards on site.
AWU Victoria State Secretary Ronnie Hayden, who was present at the mass meeting, spoke to members:
"This EA sets the stage for the next 20 years.
"Our younger members are standing on the shoulders of those who fought before us, and we won't accept going backwards on conditions and protections.
"This is your fight to have, your livelihood, your town."
"For a company that continuously promotes itself as a community partner, their attempts to strip away workers' rights and living standards tells a very different story about their true priorities," Hayden added.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY
Wednesday, 18 September 2025 6:00AM - 10:00AM Corner of Madeira Packet Road, smelter entrance AWU members will gather in a community protest and to greet fellow members during shift change and continue working with their negotiations team.
