The Mining And Energy Union Podcast
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.
- Update frequency
- every 27 days
- Average duration
- 18 minutes
- Episodes
- 67
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
2023 from an Organiser’s perspective
MEU organisers from around the country converged on Sydney this week to plan for 2024 - they flew in from Central Queensland, the Pilbara, Broken Hill and everywhere in between to celebrate their win…
00:24:36 |
Thu 07 Dec 2023
Dust disease under the microscope
As a special bonus this month we’re replaying an episode of an ABC podcast called ‘The History Listen’, it’s part of a series called ‘dusted’ about lung diseases associated with mining and features f…
00:29:22 |
Mon 30 Oct 2023
Senate examines closing the labour hire loopholes
Same Job Same Pay for labour hire workers is part of the Closing Loopholes bill before the federal parliament and are being examined by a senate committee. The MEU’s top legal eagle, Adam Walkaden, b…
00:36:44 |
Wed 18 Oct 2023
How coal miners keep our rescue choppers flying
Chris Griffith owes his life to The Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service. Of course as a 15-year-old, the Duralie Lodge member had no way of knowing it was the contributions of Hunter Valley coal miners…
00:15:11 |
Thu 28 Sep 2023
Why the Voice is close to Colin Gray’s heart
Diesel fitter Colin Gray is a delegate at the Carmichael mine in Queensland. As the Voice referendum approaches, Colin talks about it what it means to him and why it’s important for politicians to he…
00:30:47 |
Mon 18 Sep 2023
What is a ‘checkie’ and how do they keep you safe?
Industry Health & Safety Representatives – known as ‘check inspectors’ – play a unique role in the sector. Some say they have the most important job in the coal industry. This episode we find out abo…
00:19:02 |
Thu 24 Aug 2023
Why July is a month of reflection for coal miners
Many of the worst disasters to hit coal mining occurred in July. We’ve delved into our archives to bring you a chat with the former General Secretary about what we can learn from them.
00:08:14 |
Sun 23 Jul 2023
What's it like to be a driller in an open cut pit?
Lawrence Watson’s love affair with drilling began on Valentine's Day 2012 and he’s been going strong ever since. But what makes a good driller? And how will automation change the game?
00:14:14 |
Mon 03 Jul 2023
CFMEU to MEU: Make your vote count
Members of the Mining And Energy Union will vote in coming weeks whether to become an independent organisation. We hear from members why they’re voting yes and from General Secretary Grahame Kelly on…
00:05:44 |
Mon 15 May 2023
How Anthony Albanese is making workplaces fairer
What legal changes are the Albanese Government making to get rid of the labour hire and casualisation rorts? And how are they criminalising wage theft and pay secrecy clauses? We find out what laws h…
00:47:28 |
Wed 03 May 2023
How we fought for justice for Graeme Edwards
Those responsible for Graeme Edwards’ death almost got away with it. Luckily the Victorian Branch of the MEU were on the case and forced a prosecution of Energy Australia through the courts resulting…
00:15:01 |
Thu 30 Mar 2023
Energy workers arc up
We talk to MEU members from power stations and the coal mines that supply them about their concerns as the energy industry rapidly changes – including jobs of the future, safety, the challenges of mo…
00:24:20 |
Tue 07 Mar 2023
A day in the life of a Longwall Operator
What does it take to become a longwall operator in an underground mine? This episode we find out the dos and don’ts of this key role from a 6th generation miner.
00:11:27 |
Tue 31 Jan 2023
2022: Year in Review
What a year! Voters in the Hunter Valley sent coal miner ‘Big Dan’ Repacholi to Canberra, the national energy grid became big news, and the Albanese Government passed its first batch of Industrial Re…
00:21:59 |
Fri 30 Dec 2022
Baby leave wins recognition for Jenna
When BHP tried to dud their apprentices at Peak Downs, Saraji, Goonyella Riverside & Blackwater out of maternity leave, Jenna Saunders sprung into action. Thanks to Jenna, apprentices like Paige Mart…
00:12:20 |
Wed 07 Dec 2022
Why being a shotfirer is a great career move
Shotfirers, or chargers as they’re known in hard rock mines, handle dangerous explosives every day. So it’s an action packed job. But how can getting your shotfirer ticket also be a great career move…
00:09:44 |
Tue 01 Nov 2022
Fight Like Hell: Heroes of the Labour Movement
Just in time for Labour Day; The Coal Creek War of 1891, where a Tennessee mining company sacked its workers, tore down their homes and brought in prisoners to replace them. What happened next wasn’t…
00:18:00 |
Sun 02 Oct 2022
Ten teams duke it out at the Western Mines Rescue Comp
Ten teams from the Lithgow, Moolarben and Gunnedah districts recently battled it out at the Western Mines Rescue Competition. We followed the team from Springvale as they strove for glory. Who took o…
00:10:44 |
Mon 12 Sep 2022
Would you like to drive a $200 million dragline?
What would it take to get your bum in the seat of a 6000 tonne, 24 storey dragline excavator? This episode you’ll find out what it’s like to drive one of these monsters and what skills you need to do…
00:10:52 |
Wed 03 Aug 2022
What’s driving the ‘energy crisis’?
What’s driving the east coast ‘energy crisis’? General President Tony Maher gives us his take. And we find out how power station workers in Western Australia are managing a ‘just transition’ for thei…
00:17:32 |
Thu 30 Jun 2022
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