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Civil construction workers have access to:
Industry severance scheme
Industry severance scheme
Injury insurance
Injury insurance
Free counselling
Free counselling
Civil Construction workers

For information specific to Protect members working in civil construction, detailing your injury insurance, severance account and how to make a claim, visit the workers page.

Civil construction workers page

Civil Construction workers

Different agreements = different benefits

The details of your Protect cover are found in the industrial agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of your employment. Ask your employer or union for a copy of your agreement, or search the Fair Work Commission website.

Severance & redundancy accounts

The Protect civil construction division was established in 2022 when the AWU Vic Branch endorsed Protect as their severance fund of choice. As the first fund to offer workers a tax-free component in the case of redundancy, Protect was clearly a better deal for their workers in the cyclical world of construction.

The Protect severance account has been been structured to meet the rules of the ATO and to give you the opportunity to both:

  1. access your account in the widest range of circumstances possible
  2. access the greatest redundancy benefits possible, including the opportunity for tax-free or significantly reduced tax redundancy payments.

Injury cover

Civil construction members with a Protect severance account are also covered by AWU Injury Cover. This specialised insurance offers worldwide cover, 24 hours a day, every day of the year and makes payment in cases of broken bones and serious trauma. It also offers a lump sum death benefit. Members, and their immediate family, are also covered for accidental dental injury. 

The policy is held by the AWU and issued by ATC Insurance Solutions

Free confidential counselling service

All members of Protect and their immediate family are eligible for free counselling services. Protect Counselling is an external service sometimes preferred for the independence that ensures total privacy. It's separate from the employer, the union and the insurer.

We partner with Hunterlink to provide a free professional confidential service Australia wide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Protect are provided basic non-identifying statistics on the use of the service including number of calls, age range and industry.

CALL THE DEDICATED COUNSELLING PHONE NUMBER:
1300 725 881

Members may also access downloadable resources from the online counselling portal including information on dealing with workplace change and conflict, to family relationships and mental health.

Password: Protect

Testimonials

We’d heard some very positive outcomes that had happened with Protect. We like the relationship with Field Officers means that there is a team available to support us when we need it. 

John K
John K
Civil Construction

It says a lot for Protect that you have a whole team that are there for the workers, that have members interests at heart.

Eddy L
Eddy L
Maritime Industry

The service we get is second to none. And you get the best options all from the one severance account type now. That’s less paperwork and less stress if you happen to be made redundant without notice.

David R
David R
Metals Industry

Protect were really sympathetic. They even called me just to see how I was, how my family and friends were coping and how legal proceeding were going. They were genuinely interested and really helpful. 

Jimmy G
Jimmy G
Electrical Industry

Dealing with Protect in a stressful time was no problem. Their focus was making sure my wellbeing was taken care of and I was comfortable during my recovery from my accident. Thanks Protect and thanks MUA.

Derek D
Derek D
Maritime Industry

Just wanted to say thank you for all your help over the last few months and allowing me to put a roof over my family’s head and food on the table. It has been a stressful time, but I am very glad to get back to work.

Brenton H
Brenton H
Maritime Industry

Protect is reassurance. Although your working life has come to a halt, you can still manage to pay your bills. I've used my income protection a few times over many many years and every single time it's been fantastic.

Steve B
Steve B
Electrical Industry

When the company went into liquidation, I was so lucky to have my Protect account, it was honestly a lifesaver. It gave me the ability to take a breather and plan for where I wanted to head in the future. 

Kim G
Kim G
Electrical Industry

I wish to thank you for having the scheme and giving me peace of mind during my employment with Metro Trains.

David M
David M
Rail Industry

Every Protect staff member I’ve dealt with have been super efficient, polite and helpful from start to finish. Personally, I can’t have wished for kinder and quicker treatment... you’re the best!

David P
David P
Electrical Industry

I was able to fully concentrate on my recovery without the pressure of financial concerns. I cannot speak highly enough about the assistance and ongoing support that I have received from Protect.

Allen W
Allen W
Maritime Industry

I’ve been able to claim a tax free redundancy and you can do it all on your phone using the App. You don’t have to speak to anybody to lodge your claim, check your account or view your membership card.

Andrew K
Andrew K
Metals Industry

Protect allowed me time to concentrate on recovery. My case manager was extremely helpful. All I had to provide was a doctors certificate to get the ball rolling, then everything was processed very quickly. 

Cliff S
Cliff S
Maritime Industry

Income protection insurance takes the stress out of everything, if you don’t have to worry about money you can concentrate on getting better. Because we’ve all got bills to pay.

Jessica C
Jessica C
Maritime Industry

It's not an easy path dealing with injury or illness. With Protect, you actually get given a case manager, so they help you the whole journey, instead of you just bluffing your way along.

Bonnie C
Bonnie C
Maritime Industry

Having our severance balance secured with Protect means our benefits can't be used as a bargaining chip in workplace negotiations. 

Rick W
Rick W
Lift Industry

I just wanted to thank you very much for all your help, you made this process stress free and easy. Thanks a lot.

Glenn R
Glenn R
Electrical Industry

Because my injury happened on the road I went through TAC and thought I had to take a hit on income support, but thanks to Protect's advice and assistance I am receiving more financial support while recovering.

Brett D
Brett D
Electrical Industry

At my age it would be hard to get another full time job if I’m made redundant, there’s more casual work in the industry now. So the Protect account is like a nest egg isn’t it, it can be very, very handy.

Mario M
Mario M
Metals Industry

I've tried to get income protection privately and couldn't get covered, firefighters have just too high a risk a job, so to have Protect cover is absolutely invaluable. I used that instead of chewing through my leave.

Chris L
Chris L
Fire Rescue Industry

I’m 100% behind Protect. They met with my wife when I was in hospital and organised everything. We would like to thank you for all your help through a hugely stressful time.

Martin M
Martin M
Maritime Industry

Protect income protection insurance is the best thing to happen to the fire industry for many years. My experience accessing it was fantastic and the follow up was also extremely welcome. I was very impressed.

Graeme G
Graeme G
Fire Rescue Industry

This level of income protection for firefighters simply wouldn’t be possible if you were attempting to negotiate a policy one out. Sticking together to negotiate certainly increases your bargaining power.

Shane C
Shane C
Fire Rescue Industry

Under Protect’s umbrella, I was able to keep my head up while I did my rehab knowing
I could still provide for my family while out of work for six months. I am now back on the job and back to normal.

Elias M
Elias M
Maritime Industry

Protect looked after me like gold, helped me with my paperwork and even when I was back at work, they still rang to see how I was going. Not many people do that.

Paul M
Paul M
Rail Industry

We swapped to Protect for severance because of the better benefits, easier access to your money and injury and dental cover. I have the Field Team’s numbers on speed dial, the support is great.

Tim T
Tim T
Metals Industry

Income protection payments with Protect cover you for two years. When something like this (injury) turns your life upside down, the best thing you can do is make sure you’ve got good cover like Protect.

Dean C
Dean C
Maritime Industry

I would like to thank Protect for going above and beyond the call of duty, to make the seamless transition through what is a stressful time, back rehabilitated 100% and into the workforce, on full duties.

Samuel B
Samuel B
Maritime Industry

Protect's severance account is so important because our industry is insecure. When we’re out of work it gives us that time to get into another job without having to worry about bills.

Steve B
Steve B
Electrical Industry

We couldn't do our role unless we were 100% fit, you'd be putting your crew at risk. My claim was reviewed, accepted and taken care of in a few days, it was all really seamless and comforting in the end.

Frank C
Frank C
Fire Rescue Industry

I found Protect was easy to use. They were helpful, understanding and I didn’t feel rushed. This stopped me stressing and allowed me to focus on my recovery and getting back to work.

Daniel P
Daniel P
Maritime Industry

Following a harrowing accident, Protect became my lifeline. Every interaction exuded professionalism and care. Protect sets the gold standard for Income Protection, they truly have your back.

Adam W
Adam W
Electrical Industry