Approximately 300 workers at the Australian Submarine Corporation's (ASC) Osborne facility in South Australia went on strike this week. 

Workers say the strike stems from a long-standing disparity in wages compared to their counterparts in Western Australia, highlighting a broader issue of salary inequality within government-operated entities and non-Australian Public Service agencies.

The Osborne facility, crucial to the maintenance of Australia's Collins Class submarines, saw a walkout by union members as part of a protected industrial action. 

Stuart Gordon, the Assistant State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) in South Australia, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation. 

“It’s a slap in the face for trainers in SA who are being paid less than those they are training,” Gordon stated. 

“Hundreds of submarine experts work on the Collins Class submarines which are an essential part of Australia’s current naval capability… they should be paid more, but they’re just asking to be paid the same. These workers deserve respect.”

Despite negotiations over the past six months, ASC has failed to bridge the pay gap between WA and SA workers, offering only a 6.75 per cent raise which has been rejected by the unions. 

ASC has acknowledged the strike and expressed its commitment to continuing negotiations. 

“ASC has been in exhaustive negotiations with the Unions and their representatives over the last six months and has made a number of offers,” a spokesperson said. 

The company has suggested involving the Fair Work Commissioner to mediate the dispute.

The industrial action poses a significant threat to the maintenance schedule of the Collins Class submarines, with critical maintenance activities potentially being delayed. 

This could have broader implications for Australia's defence readiness and capabilities.