November 21, 2024
Our recent National Convention endorsed policies and strategic priorities to guide our work over the next four years and build on our successful start as an independent Mining and Energy Union.
Our policies set out our broad approach to the short and long-term challenges we face. They cover topics from supporting mine approvals to work rights, global solidarity and lifting safety standards. They establish agreed national values and principles to guide our political, industrial and community activity in the years ahead.
Members can read our national policies here.
In addition, Convention endorsed a number of strategic directions aimed at building our capacity to grow and secure better workplace and political outcomes.
They include:
- Expanding our delegates training program to build our capacity for growth and member representation.
- Further developing our strategic bargaining project to strengthen negotiation outcomes, lift industry standards and prevent disputes.
- Finishing off the job of destroying the labour hire rort by using Same Job Same Pay laws to lift wages and end the unfair business model.
- Building and leveraging our political influence at all levels to win better outcomes for our members and communities.
- Maintaining unity and solidarity between Districts within our Union.
- Continuously improving how we operate to make a good union better.
- Using our National and District expertise to lift national safety standards.
Convention delegates acknowledged the important workplace reforms introduced by Labor including Same Job Same Pay, removing barriers to collective bargaining and stronger rights for delegates and endorsed a resolution to ensure these reforms are not overturned.
In addition, Convention endorsed resolutions to work with the Net Zero Economy Authority to deliver transition support for energy workers and communities; dedicate resources to supporting approvals for mining projects and extensions, take action to prevent mining deaths including suicides; acknowledge the excellent leadership of ACTU Secretary Sally McManus and President Michele O’Neill; and support our comrades in the CFMEU Manufacturing Division who are embarking on a process to withdraw from the CFMEU. We are proud to provide their members with an example of successful withdrawal.
I would like to thank all delegates to convention for their participation and all our guests, staff and partners for making it a success.
By now, you are likely to have seen videos and photos of the week showing many of the highlights including a loud and proud rally for Same Job Same Pay at the BHP AGM, an enthusiastic address from Prime Minister Albanese and workshops to share ideas and learn new skills.
For me, it was a great opportunity to catch up with members from around the country to celebrate our achievements and set an ambitious plan for our future. Now, we are looking forward to achieving the wins we will report on at our next National Convention in 2028. There’s no time to waste!
Grahame Kelly is the General Secretary of the Mining and Energy Union