Acrow scaffolders in Hunter Valley strike over wage gap Monday
Scaffolding workers at Acrow in the Hunter Valley voted unanimously to strike from 6am Monday over pay disparity with interstate colleagues.
Scaffolding workers at Acrow in the Hunter Valley unanimously voted to strike from 6am Monday over pay disparity with interstate colleagues. Acrow workers asked for a 21 per cent wage rise to match company standards across Australia.
Acrow offered only 11 per cent. Hunter workers earn $30.49 an hour, and none earn more than two-thirds of what their interstate counterparts make, according to the union.
They also lack the same entitlements and standards. The union says the Hunter team has gone without a meaningful raise for a long time.
Acrow posted $336 million in revenue in 2025-26, up 27 per cent, but has rejected industry-standard travel, meal, site allowances and redundancy payments. The company declined to comment.
- $30.49
- Hunter hourly rate
- $336 million, up 27%
- Company revenue 2025-26
- Monday 6am
- Strike start
- 21% vs 11%
- Pay claim vs offer
Why it mattersThe strike affects critical maintenance at coal power stations supplying electricity to NSW. A stoppage could disrupt energy supply if it extends beyond Monday.
AustraliaThis is a direct Australian industrial action affecting NSW power generation. Newcastle and Hunter regions rely on these workers to maintain essential infrastructure.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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