CFMEU to offer members on apprenticeships $100 fuel vouchers as war in Middle East drives up prices at the pump

One of Australia's largest trade unions will begin offering fuel vouchers to eligible apprentices for the next three months as the war against Iran continues to drive up the cost of petrol and diesel.

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CMFEU) is set to announce monthly $100 fuel allowances to members in the first two years of training on EBAs and apprentices on award wages.

Trade apprentices in Australia can be paid as little as $18 per hour in their first year and are expected to wear the cost of their own fuel.

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Some tradies have reported spending upwards of $285 per week just on fuel.

The price of diesel is still hovering well above $3 per litre across the country, while unleaded 91 is now an average of $2.19 per litre.

CFMEU NSW executive secretary Michael Crosby said the vouchers are a rare form of union financial assistance that aims to keep young tradies on the road.

"Apprenticeships are tough enough as it is that young workers shouldn't have to forego essentials just to get to work," Crosby said.

"Apprentices are telling us that they're not able to pay for tools and are cancelling insurance just to afford to pay for work-related travel.

"These fuel vouchers will provide some immediate relief for young workers feeling the pinch the hardest."

Crosby said he hopes the vouchers will stem the risk of apprentice dropouts over low pay.

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The fuel support will begin today, and eligible apprentices need to be existing CFMEU members.

According to the CFMEU, Australia is facing a shortage of around 300,000 skilled workers needed to fulfil the government's ambitious housing and renewable energy projects.

This shortage may also impact infrastructure targets for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the union warned.

Apprentice completion rates in construction sit at around 58 per cent in Australia.

Pay is cited as a chief reason students quit their apprenticeships.

"Losing apprentices today means losing the workforce of tomorrow. This is a national situation that requires a national response," Crosby added.

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