The Australian Trade Union Movement has thrown its support behind a campaign to improve wages, conditions and workplace rights at Rio Tinto's aluminium operations in the country.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said in a statement yesterday that Rio Tinto Alcan should prioritise workers' health and safety at its Australian smelters and refineries.

Mr Lawrence said despite the company making $US14 billion in profits in 2010, employees at Rio's Bell Bay smelter in northern Tasmania earn about $30,000 a year less than workers in better unionised workplaces.

“But what is worse is the intimidatory tactics by Rioâ€TMs aluminium management against workers who wish to meet with a union about legitimate health and safety issues.

Last month, the Australian Workers' Union won a hard-fought court battle to allow workers to meet with the union about their concerns in the face of strong opposition from management.

The Unions have constructive relationships with Australia'ss other two aluminium producers, and a similar one should be worked out with Rio Tinto Alcan.

Rio Tinto Alcan has smelters at Bell Bay in Tasmania and Boyne Island, near Gladstone, and a refinery at Yarwun, also near Gladstone.

Rio's aluminium operations made a profit of $US773 million in 2010, a turnaround from a loss of $US560 million in 2009.