Episodes
71
Latest episode
Jan 2026
Language
EN
The Mining & Energy Union fights for our members in coal and metals mining and power generation around Australia. Our members work hard, play a crucial role in Australia’s economy, support their communities and have a proud tradition of standing up for safety and workers’ rights. Hosted by Tim Brunero, this podcast features news, interviews, historical features and inside stories keeping you up to the minute with our activities, challenges and successes - as well as the stories from our past that form the bedrock of what the union is today.
Tony Maher’s the longest serving General President in the union’s history. On the eve of his retirement, he reflects on the major challenges and victories throughout his tenure, and what they mean for the next generation of MEU activists.
Mining unions played a key role in bringing down apartheid in South Africa. We meet one mining union leader who was at the coal face of the struggle.
How can coal fired power station workers across the country ensure they retain stable well paying jobs and their communities thrive into the future? Industry Minister Tim Ayres talks about the success Collie has had in transforming itself, and the role of the NZEA in supporting regional industries across the country.
https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/TRG-ROVOA.pdf
Why is a 130-year-old coal mine back in the news? Miners at Metropolitan mine in Helensburgh have been chalking up the wins this month, securing a strong new EA despite being locked out by their bosses and winning a monumental case in the High Court. Join us to catch up on what’s been going on at Australia’s oldest mine.
BHP’s been told! The Fair Work Commission has ruled its labour hire rort is over and it needs to cough up the $30,000 per person it’s been dudding ‘Operations Services’ workers at its Peak Downs, Saraji and Goonyella Riverside mines. That’s over 2,300 mine workers. We find out what happens next.
Bob Hawke could scull a beer faster than anyone on the planet, he also gave us Medicare. But when he was a union advocate what was so special about him people wanted him to be Prime Minister? We find out and meet a heap of other union legends who brought us the rights we all enjoy at work today.
Where do you find the best burgers in the Hunter? ‘Big’ Dan Repacholi shares his favourite haunts and talks about the pride he feels when miners tell him about the tens of thousands of dollars of extra pay they’re getting because of his government’s new laws. But what has he got in store for the district if he and Albo win a second term?
Planning or expecting a new baby in your family? It can be extra challenging to juggle new parenthood with shift work like mining. In this episode, we talk to operator Rebecca and MEU lawyer Eliza about your rights on parental leave, return to work and flexibility; how to stand up for them and where we need to improve.
It can be intimidating to be called into the boss’s office. It’s usually not for a pat on the back. Knowing your rights and having a solid game plan can make all the difference to getting a fair outcome. In today’s episode we give you practical tips to navigate disciplinary meetings; or provide effective support to a workmate.
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