Coal terminal workers strike in Port Kembla

Port Kembla, NSW.

Port Kembla Coal Terminal workers began a week-long strike on February 1. The action is a result of management scaling back conditions during negotiations over a new enterprise agreement. BHP Billiton operates the coal terminal on behalf of its owners, which include Xstrata, Peabody Energy, Gujarat NRE and Centennial Coal.

Management’s latest offer triggered Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) delegates to take industrial action. About 100 workers had previously voted to approve a seven-day stoppage from February 1, unless management made a late offer

In a statement released on February 1, CFMEU South Western District Vice President Bob Timbs said the union was committed to reaching agreement with the terminal operators and strongly backed the workers’ vote.

Timbs said the major sticking point with the latest agreement version was about increased job security measures, not pay rates. This includes resisting the company’s attempts to dilute the workforce with employees not covered by the enterprise agreement.

Timbs said: “We are very disappointed that during the Fair Work Australia conciliation meetings this week management’s revised enterprise agreement actually put workers in a worse-off position than previous versions.

“We remain committed to achieving a fair outcome for both the workforce and the coal terminal operators, but workers will not abide an agreement that has gone backward.”

The CFMEU is also concerned about adequate staffing levels.

“During the lifetime of the last agreement the price per tonne for coal has skyrocketed; we know the operators can afford to build some concrete job security into the details of the next agreement,” said Timbs.

Further talks between workers and management will continue at Fair Work Australia.

Comments

Do they take a pay cut when the price of coal goes down?? Talk about killing the golden goose.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.