The Mining And Energy Union Podcast

The Mining And Energy Union

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.

  • 24 minutes 9 seconds
    What was it like to fight apartheid as a South African mining union leader?
    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.
    26 November 2025, 2:59 am
  • 13 minutes 46 seconds
    What’s the Industry minister doing for energy workers?
    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.
    29 October 2025, 4:18 am
  • 8 minutes 19 seconds
    Eliminating vehicle accidents at mine sites

    https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-07/TRG-ROVOA.pdf

    7 October 2025, 1:05 am
  • 10 minutes 47 seconds
    Helensburgh miners chalk up two wins
    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.
    26 August 2025, 2:20 am
  • 11 minutes 24 seconds
    BHP win is worth $30,000 to 2,300 miners
    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.
    23 July 2025, 11:58 pm
  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    How do you become a union legend like Bob Hawke?
    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.
    3 July 2025, 11:14 pm
  • 13 minutes 29 seconds
    ‘Big’ Dan Repacholi on burgers and putting cash in miner’s wallets
    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?
    14 April 2025, 1:08 am
  • 14 minutes 11 seconds
    Baby On Board
    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.
    26 March 2025, 3:08 am
  • 15 minutes 21 seconds
    What to do if the boss calls you into the office
    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.
    24 February 2025, 3:31 am
  • 19 minutes 1 second
    How convicts made Australia fair
    Crims, rebels, troublemakers. It might be time to re-think some of the characters sent to Australia from Britain in the 1800s. It turns out most convicts weren’t criminals, they were political activists or the criminalised poor - many were rebel coal miners sent to Australia for standing up to the man. Noone thought when they got here they’d keep up the fight. The fact they did meant this country became one of the fairest societies on the planet. In this episode we meet some of them.
    13 January 2025, 5:01 am
  • 11 minutes
    Delegates rights get a shot in the arm
    Find out how new laws passed by the Albanese government strengthen union delegates’ rights including paid training, support to communicate with members on site and the ability to speak up for members in meetings.
    17 December 2024, 5:07 am
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