Talking union

Wednesday, September 30, 1992 - 10:00

PERTH — Robe River is continuing its intimidatory tactics against its Karratha work force. The latest victim is 53-years-old maintenance worker Cliff Sutton, who has been stood down for refusing to accept a transfer as a trainee haulpak driver. Sutton believes he is too old to perform the job safely. The issue has also spilled over to the question of union representation at the Pannawonica mine, with a union official being denied entry to represent Sutton after the shop steward was sent home by the company.

  • Six hundred workers at BHP's Port Hedland Goldsworthy mine walked off the job on September 24 after the company announced plans to mothball the mining town of Shay Gap. The 305 workers based at Shay Gap are not part of BHP's plans for a new mine at Yarrie near the town. BHP intends to fly in and out 100 contract miners for the new deposit. There is widespread concern about the increasing use of contract labour in the industry.

From GLW issue 73