A Greenfields Agreement is made before a project starts, between an employer and one or more unions. It does not involve workers directly because none are yet employed. These agreements are common on major projects like Pluto 2, but they lock in conditions for years — often without workers having a say.

A Brownfields Agreement is made when a workforce is already in place. This is where workers can get involved, have a say, vote, and even take protected industrial action if needed. These agreements usually replace or update an existing one.

Only workers covered by a current bargaining process under the Fair Work Act can take Protected Industrial Action — like strikes, bans, or limitations — after:

• The union applies for a Protected Action Ballot Order (PABO);
• The Fair Work Commission approves it;
• Workers vote yes in the ballot.

Any action taken outside this process is unprotected and could lead to disciplinary action or fines.

A Protected Action Ballot Order (PABO) is the legal process where a union asks the Fair Work Commission to allow its members to vote on whether they want to take protected action. If successful, workers vote — and a majority must say YES to give the green light for action.

This is incorrect – your employer cannot prevent you from being a union member. Workers have freedom of association to become union members, as stipulated in the Fair Work Act 2009. You also are not obligated to inform your employer that you are a union member.

If you work in the below classifications, the AMWU is your union.

• • Mechanical Fitters
  • Pipe Fitters
  • Boilermaker / Welders
  • Trades Assistants
  • Sheet Metal Workers
  • Laggers
  • Dogger
  • Riggers
  • Scaffolders
  • Storeperson

If you work in the below classifications, the CFMEU is your union.

• • Crain Drivers
  • Refractory Tradesperson
  • Dogger
  • Riggers
  • Scaffolders
  • Painters and Blasters
  • Carpenters
  • Form Workers
  • Peggie’s

If you work in the below classifications, the ETU is your union.

• • Electrical Trades Assistant
  • Electrician
  • Dual Trade Electrician (Inlecs’)
  • Communications Tech
  • Instrument Tech
  • Electronics Tech
  • Extra Low Voltage Installer

You can and absolutely should join your union. Think about it — why wouldn’t you back your team and help shape the future of your trade?

Unions aren’t just for the old hands. You’re part of the crew now, and yes — apprentices can take protected industrial action too. 💪

This is your industry. Stand up. Get involved. Back yourself and your mates.

This is best described by the poem written by Jack London 1876-1916

Ode To A Scab

After God had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, and the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. A scab is a two-legged animal with a corkscrew soul, a waterlogged brain, and a combination backbone made of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles.

When a scab comes down the street, men turn their backs and angels weep in heaven, and the devil shuts the gates of hell to keep him out. No man has a right to scab as long as there is a pool of water deep enough to drown his body in, or a rope long enough to hang his carcass with. Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with a scab. For betraying his Master, he had character enough to hang himself. A scab hasn’t.

Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Judas Iscariot sold his savior for thirty pieces of silver. Benedict Arnold sold his country for a promise of a commission in the British Army. The modern strikebreaker sells his birthright, his country, his wife, his children, and his fellow men for an unfulfilled promise from his employer, trust, or corporation

Solidarity wins