Between 2022-2024, United Workers Union’s strategic wage theft campaign recovered millions in stolen wages and entitlements across multiple industries, while forcing systematic changes in company practices and building union power.
United Workers Union’s campaign against wage theft has recovered millions for our members across multiple industries. At Gumnuts NSW, we won back $82,516 in unpaid superannuation plus $60,000 in penalties after the ATO failed to act. When global giant Compass Group tried to deny $180,000 in redundancy entitlements to 29 members, we forced them to pay up and face $100,800 in additional penalties.
The campaign saw major wins across sectors. We recovered $130,000 for three security sub-contractors denied Award entitlements, part of our broader fight against sham contracting in security including actions against Aegis affecting hundreds of members. At Assetlink Northern Territory, we won $75,000 for 16 members denied overtime and allowances, while growing membership by 38%.
In hospitality, we terminated Hot Wok’s exploitative below-Award agreement and won proper wages across multiple Brisbane venues. At the Hilton Darwin, we recovered nearly $20,000 in unpaid break penalties. In South Australia, our sustained campaign against CARA’s systematic underpayment forced a company-wide wage review and commitment to resolve future issues raised by United Workers Union.
These examples are just some of the cases where we have taken on bosses and won back our members hard earned wages.