Welcome to Appin Lodge
Over the years, Appin Lodge has played a major role in building the wages, conditions, and job security we work under today. The strong pay rates, protections, and rights contained in the GM-3 Agreement didn’t just happen — they were fought for and won by members who came before you.
Right now, 117 new members have joined the Lodge. At the same time, there are still 167 workers who list Appin as their site but are employed by contractors outside of Mastermyne. That’s why it’s important for all new starters to understand the history of the Lodge and what being a member really means.
The Lodge isn’t just about enterprise agreement negotiations. It’s about having a collective voice on site, standing up to unfair treatment, and protecting the conditions we’ve won so they’re not taken away in the future. Every member strengthens that voice.
This starter pack is here to introduce you to the Lodge, explain how it works, and show why your membership matters — because the pay, safety, and conditions you enjoy today exist only because Lodge members stood together yesterday.
A Brief History of Unionism at Appin
The history of the Appin Mine is deeply shaped by the 1979 disaster, when an explosion claimed the lives of 14 miners. A judicial inquiry that followed identified serious failures in ventilation and communication, forever changing the approach to mine safety.
Since that tragedy, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has played a critical role at Appin, advocating for improved safety standards, fair treatment, and secure employment. This includes standing up for members in unfair dismissal cases and maintaining a strong, ongoing presence at the mine to protect workers’ rights.
What the Union Has Delivered
Direct Employment and Pay Increases
Through the MEU’s successful Same Job Same Pay application, 300 new two-year fixed-term roles were created at Appin. These workers are now directly employed by the mine owner and covered by the Appin Enterprise Agreement.
This resulted in pay increases of approximately $18,000 per year for hundreds of workers who were previously engaged through labour hire.
Eliminating Pay Discrepancies
The application directly addressed the gap between labour hire workers and directly employed workers, who were doing the same work but earning significantly less.
Strengthening Conditions
By bringing these workers under the Appin Enterprise Agreement, the union secured full access to the wages, entitlements, and protections that members have fought for over decades.
Negotiating a Smooth Transition
The MEU continues to work with the mine owner (GM-3) to ensure a smooth transition into direct employment and is advocating for as many existing labour hire workers as possible to be included.
Ongoing Advocacy and Training
The union invest heavily in training workplace advocates in bargaining, representation, and members’ rights — ensuring strong support on site when it matters most.
Why Your Membership Matters
Every improvement — from safer workplaces to fairer pay — has come from workers standing together. The conditions you benefit from today are not guaranteed tomorrow unless they are defended.
That’s what the Appin Lodge exists for: making sure no one stands alone.
By joining the Lodge, you’re not only protecting your own conditions — you’re helping secure them for the next generation of miners.