Mining Union Lodges 1st Claim Under New ‘Same Job, Same Pay’ Laws

The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has become the first group to lodge a claim under the contentious “Same Job, Same Pay” laws introduced by the Albanese Labor government. The law means contractors can potentially receive the same pay, bonuses, and benefits, as those employed directly by a business. On March 13, the MEU applied with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for over 300 labour-hire workers to be paid an extra $10,000-$20,000 ($US6,600-13,200) per year. The action is aimed at workers employed by Workpac at Batchfire’s Callide mine at Biloela in central Queensland. MEU General President Tony Maher says more actions will likely follow....