same job same pay: A historic win for Queensland mining and energy workers

The Australian Parliament has passed the landmark Same Job, Same Pay law, delivering a long-awaited victory for workers across the mining and energy sectors, including here in Queensland. This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and advocacy of unions, particularly the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), which has fought relentlessly for fairness and equity in the workplace.

The Same Job, Same Pay law is a direct result of sustained union campaigns to address the exploitation of labour hire workers. For years, the Mining and Energy Union has highlighted the unfairness of wage disparities between labour hire workers and their directly employed counterparts. Through grassroots organizing, lobbying efforts, and persistent advocacy, the MEU played a pivotal role in bringing this issue to the forefront of national attention.

MEU General President Tony Maher remarked, “This victory reflects the power of collective action. Our Members have been vocal and steadfast in demanding fairness, and this law is a testament to their determination and unity.”

What the same job, same pay law means

Under the new legislation, labour hire workers must receive pay and conditions equivalent to those of permanent employees performing the same job. This includes base wages, allowances, and other entitlements such as leave and superannuation. By eliminating the financial incentives for companies to use labour hire arrangements to undercut wages, the law ensures a level playing field for all workers.

For union members, this law represents a significant step toward addressing long-standing inequalities and ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and respect.

A milestone for fairness and equity

The passage of this law underscores the critical role unions play in advocating for workers’ rights. It also highlights the collective power of union members who stood together to demand change.

MEU members are encouraged to remain engaged and report any concerns about non-compliance to their local union representatives. By working together, the union will ensure that the Same Job, Same Pay law delivers on its promise of fairness for all workers in Queensland’s mining and energy sectors. Union leaders have emphasized the importance of vigilance during the rollout phase. MEU Queensland District President stated, “This law is a huge win, but it’s only the beginning. We’ll be working closely with our Members to ensure their rights are upheld and that no employer tries to sidestep these new obligations.” This historic win is a reminder of what can be achieved when workers stand united. The union remains committed to building a future where fairness, respect, and equity are at the heart of every workplace.