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Thousands of young workers will receive at least three $100 fuel vouchers during the next few months to help them through the current fuel crisis.
One of Australia's largest trade unions, the CFMEU, said on Thursday it would hand out the vouchers to eligible first and second-year apprentices every four weeks for the next three months.
Oil prices have skyrocketed since the Middle East conflict began on February 28.
The war has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, which is responsible for the transportation of 20 per cent of the world's oil supply.
Before the war, crude oil prices were trading around US$65 a barrel but have since risen to as much as US$120 a barrel.
The union felt the need to hand out the vouchers due to the immense pressure its lowest-paid workers were facing due to the rise in fuel prices along with the cost-of-living crisis.
Many apprentices have to drive long distances for work and the CFMEU is worried about whether they can complete their apprenticeships at a time when there's already a skilled worker shortage.
CFMEU NSW Executive Secretary Michael Crosby said the fuel vouchers came in response to apprentices complaining that they couldn't afford to buy tools.
Some first and second-year apprentices will receive at least three $100 fuel vouchers to help them survive the current fuel crisis
Trade union, the CFMEU, has warned about the cost of living pressures facing young workers and is handing out fuel vouchers to some
'These fuel vouchers will provide some immediate relief for young workers feeling the pinch the hardest,' he said.
Apprenticeship completion rates in the construction industry are only 58 per cent nationwide.
It's mainly because apprentices earn as little as $18 per hour in their first year of training.
Mr Crosby and the CFMEU have called on the Albanese Government to help Australia's youngest skilled tradespeople, particularly given Australia is predicted to be about 300,000 skilled workers short in the construction industry by mid-2027.
'This is a national situation that requires a national response,' Mr Crosby said.
The $100 fuel vouchers will be given to CFMEU apprentices in their first two years of training, both those on Enterprise Bargaining Agreements and those on awards.
Most cars now cost more than $100 to fill up, and for diesel drivers, it's even more, with prices above $3 per litre.
The Albanese government halved the fuel excise on petrol and diesel by 26.3 cents per litre from April 1 for three months to try and save Aussies at the bowser.
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