Workers at Snowy 2.0, Australia's biggest renewable energy project, have gone on strike, demanding better pay and living conditions.
The Strike at Snowy 2.0
Tradies working on the $12 billion Snowy 2.0 project inside the remote Kosciuszko National Park have downed tools, bringing the massive renewable energy project to a standstill. The workers, employed by Italian-owned Webuild, are calling for pay parity with their counterparts in Melbourne and improvements to their living conditions at the remote camp.
Union Amplifies Workers' Concerns
The Australian Workers Union (AWU) has highlighted the harsh conditions faced by the workers, including extreme weather conditions in the Snowy Mountains wilderness. Workers endure 12-hour underground shifts and 14-day stints at the camp before getting a seven-day break at home. NSW AWU secretary Tony Callinan likened the isolated worksite to a 'jail', citing restrictions on movement and lack of access to basic amenities.
Company's Response Sparks Outrage
A warning email from the project’s manager, Future Generation (FGJV), about 'disciplinary action' during the strike period has further angered the workers and the AWU. The email outlined new restrictions and increased vehicle inspections, threatening consequences for breaches.
Workers' Demands
The AWU is pushing for a 12% pay increase, a $140 daily camp allowance, doubled night shift rates, and more mental health days. Workers have also raised concerns about the quality of food at the camp, with past reports of maggots found in meals prompting a SafeWork NSW investigation.
About Snowy 2.0
The Snowy 2.0 project is a significant expansion of the original Snowy Mountains power scheme, featuring a 27km tunnel and an underground pumped-hydro power station. Once completed, it will supply three million homes with power for a week, boasting 2.2 gigawatts of capacity and 350,000 megawatt-hours of storage.
However, the project has faced cost blowouts, delays, and environmental concerns, with completion now expected no earlier than 2027.
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