Working in the
Australian Meat Industry

Safety

Meat work can be dangerous. It is very important that you remain safe.

You must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while working. This equipment may include:

• Mesh gloves
• Safety goggles
• Arm guards
• Hard hats
• Steel-capped boots
• And anything else your employer requires

Your employer must provide and pay for any protective equipment under law. It is not your responsibility to pay for this equipment!

If you are being asked to pay for it, contact the AMIEU immediately.

What if I get injured?

If you are injured at work, immediately tell your supervisor. Do not attempt to hide it.

If you need to see a doctor, you have the right to choose your own doctor. You do not have to see the company doctor.

Workplace injures are your employer's responsibility. The employer is usually required to pay for any medical treatment you may need.

If you are a member of the AMIEU, we can assist with filing a Workers Compensation Claim so that you get what you are entitled to.

How do I join the AMIEU?

Click here to contact the correct branch of the AMIEU.

Q-Fever

If you are working with cows, sheep or pigs you will be required to be vaccinated against Q Fever before you can start work.

Q Fever is a very serious disease. You must not start work without being vaccinated!

You may be required to pay for your own vaccination, or your employer might pay for it, or you might be reimbursed. Every work site is different.

You do not need a Q Fever vaccination to work with chickens.

Make sure you ask your employer about Q Fever vaccination. If you are having trouble, contact the AMIEU.

How do I join the AMIEU?

Click here to contact the correct branch of the AMIEU.

Tools

You will normally be required to buy and maintain your own tools, such as knives and steels for sharpening.

These tools can be very expensive.

If you are a member of the AMIEU, you can purchase all the tools you need at cost price.

This is a massive discount which is only available to AMIEU members.

How do I join the AMIEU?

Click here to contact the correct branch of the AMIEU.

Know your wages

Employers sometimes try to take advantage of visa workers by paying them less.

That's why it's very important to know your rights.

How much should I get paid?

Every company will pay a different amount, depending on what agreement has been negotiated at that workplace.

However, there are legal minimum wages that you must receive.

The legal minimum hourly wages are below. These wages include the 25% loading for casual employment.

What level am I?

Most visa workers will be paid at level 1 or 2 as they generally only stay in Australia for up to six months. Occasionally, visa workers may do level 3 work.

How should I be paid?

You should be paid by direct bank deposit into an Australian bank account.

If you are paid in cash, you must receive a pay slip with it.

Do I need an Australian Business Number (ABN)?

No. An ABN is for a contractor who is running their own business. You are an employee, not a contractor.

Some employers ask their workers to get an ABN, so that they can pay them less money. This is illegal.

If you are being told to apply for an Australian Business Number, contact the AMIEU immediately.

How do I join the AMIEU?

Click here to contact the correct branch of the AMIEU.

Join the AMIEU

The AMIEU has six different branches. Each of the branches covers a different part of Australia.

The map below shows which branch covers which area. Scroll down to see the contact details of each branch.

There are two AMIEU branches in New South Wales.

For all work from the Central Coast area northwards, please contact the Newcastle & Northern NSW Branch. For all other work, please contact the New South Wales Branch.

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