'Slap in the face': Hunter Acrow workers strike over pay disparity claims

Scaffolding workers on Hunter Valley coal power stations will go on strike, arguing that in some cases they are being paid up to a third less than staff doing the same duties for the same company in other states.

Acrow wokers unanimously voted in favour of industrial action and will walk off the job at 6am on Monday.

Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) workers asked for a 21 per cent pay increase to bring their pay in line with company standards and argue they were left with no option but to take industrial action after the company responded with an 11 per cent pay offer.

CFMEU NSW deputy executive Chris Pappas said wages have fallen so far behind that Hunter workers are paid "just two thirds" of what their interstate colleagues earn, without the same entitlements and standards.

"The last time Acrow workers in the Hunter had a meaningful pay rise, Adam MacDougall was still running out for the Knights," Mr Pappas said.

"It's a slap in the face to workers who keep the lights on across the Hunter.

"They deserve the same pay, the same entitlements as everyone else at Acrow."

The Newcastle Herald contacted Acrow, which declined to comment.

According to the union, Acrow workers in the Hunter are being paid $30.49 an hour, and none are paid more than two-thirds of the rate of Acrow staff in other states or regions.

The union claims Acrow posted $336 million in revenue in 2025-26, up 27 per cent, but has rejected industry-standard conditions including travel, meal and site allowances, heat policies and industry-standard redundancy payments.