With the new year well underway, it is worth reflecting on the previous year of growth, action and achievement for the Mining and Energy Union, and how this has set us up for a strong and successful 2026. Throughout 2025, we together expanded our membership, boosted our capacity, and secured better pay and conditions for thousands of mineworkers nationwide.
Firstly, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the almost 3,000 workers who joined the MEU in 2025, recognising that the best way to improve their pay and conditions is to stand together through their Union. This growth (over 10% in a single year) is unprecedented and reflects the dedication of our members and activists to securing a better deal for themselves, their workmates, and their communities.
A major accomplishment last year was delivering Same Job Same Pay at 26 mines across NSW and Queensland, winning $150 million annually in pay rises and doing serious damage to the labour hire rort.
Despite costly attempts from the employers to block and delay these wins, the MEU was largely successful in pursuing Same Job Same Pay, underscoring the power of unity and persistence. Several applications remain before the Fair Work Commission, and we will continue to apply on behalf of the MEU members across our industry.
The MEU also defended new delegates’ rights laws, ensuring workplace delegates can represent all workers, not just those employed by the same entity.
The MEU has been quick to take advantage of these new provisions, improving representation on site and instigating extensive training for our delegates to ensure that MEU members always get the best support, no matter who they are, or what they do. These reforms, alongside Same Job Same Pay, were fiercely contested during the May federal election, but the union movement rallied and helped bed down these major workplace improvements.
Across the country, MEU lodges fought hard for fair agreements. Members at Helensburgh, Rix’s Creek, and Ulan took industrial action, enduring lockouts and pickets to secure improved deals. Ulan workers even triggered arbitration after 18 months of bargaining under the new Intractable Bargaining clause – a testament to their solidarity and resolve.
However, challenges in our industry remain. Corporate mismanagement has led to suspensions of work at Liberty Bell Bay and Tahmoor, leaving workers in limbo. We are hopeful of a resolution that will see this quality mine sold to a new operator who will make a real go of it. We continue to stand with affected families during this uncertain time.
In the energy sector, progress came through the Net Zero Economy Authority (NZEA), tasked with redeploying workers from closing power stations and captured coal mines.
The MEU has worked closely with the NZEA to secure support for workers at Eraring and Yallourn, which are the next two power stations scheduled for closure. MEU energy delegates took their message directly to Industry Minister Tim Ayres and NZEA leaders, making the case for meaningful support for workers and regions affected by closures. Consultation has opened for a jobs plan at Eraring, the first test for the NZEA, and the MEU will work tirelessly to secure the best outcome for our members at the station.
Finally, I must acknowledge Tony Maher, who has retired after 27 years as General President of the MEU. Tony’s leadership through tough times has been exemplary. He will continue to serve on the NZEA Board and as the Chair of Safe Work Australia.
This year, I am stepping up to take over the role of General President – a daunting and exhilarating prospect. Tony’s dedication, integrity and wisdom will guide me in this new role, and I am deeply grateful for the mentoring he has provided over our years of working together.
To all members: thank you for your strength and solidarity in 2025. If you’re not already a member, now is the perfect time to join, and win with us in 2026.
Grahame Kelly
General President, Mining and Energy Union
