June 26, 2024
NSW hard rock miners like Daniel Cronin will have access to more resources and support with the launch of the NSW Mine Workers Alliance bringing together the MEU and AWU.
The new Alliance will represent workers in metalliferous mining in NSW and was launched at regional events in Cobar and Broken Hill earlier this month.
Daniel has worked in the mining industry for twelve years. For the last three years he has worked as a Bogger Operator at Peak Gold Mine.
Daniel lives in Cobar with his wife Chanae, and their four-year-old daughter Charlotte and two-year-old son Hudson.
“I think the Alliance is fantastic. I think bringing together two strong unions is only going to be to the further benefit of members. We’ve now got double the resources and double the manpower,” Daniel said.
“At the end of the day unions are the last fight that we’ve actually got. For so long your Rio Tintos of the world have given workers the false sense that they don’t need unions. They’ve said they’ve given us this or that, but over time they’ve taken all those things away.
“That’s where the union movement in this country is something that we really need to protect and support.
“Precious metals like gold, silver and copper have always held great value. The future of metals is only growing, especially in uncertain global times, so it’s only upwards from here.”
The Alliance will fight for investment, good jobs and community services that NSW mining towns need to benefit from mining industries of the future and support the people who work currently in the industry.
“I like working in hard rock mining because I get to interact with lots of people, whether it’s truck drivers, charge up or service crew.
“I get to see lots of people throughout my day, and there’s lots of good people in this industry.”
Members of both unions attended the launch events and had an opportunity to hear more about the Alliance from their local organisers and MEU and AWU officials who travelled up to western NSW to talk to members.
MEU South Western District Secretary Andy Davey said it was fantastic to hear the interest and enthusiasm from members who are keen and ready to join the Alliance. He said the Alliance will fight to ensure western NSW mining hubs benefit from critical minerals and transition metals industries, with secure local jobs and thriving communities.
The MEU and AWU have members in mines from Broken Hill to Cobar and Orange to West Wyalong, producing gold, cobalt, copper, lead, zinc, nickel and silver. Existing members will have the opportunity to transfer membership to the NSWMWA while new members will directly join the Alliance.
The NSW Mine Workers Alliance is the second alliance between the MEU and the AWU with the Western Mine Workers Alliance launched in the Pilbara in 2013, covering BHP and Rio Tinto mine workers.
The Alliance will officially begin operating on 1 July 2024.
