Mine union outraged at fly-in, fly-out agreement

The Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) has slammed the Queensland Labor government over its decision to approve a 100% fly-in, fly-out workforce for the Caval Ridge coalmine near Moranbah, central Queensland.

The union has about 10,000 members in the state’s coalmines. It said it would fight the Bligh government's decision in the lead up to the Queensland election, due early next year.

“We will ensure our members and the communities they live in are not left behind,” said CFMEU state secretary Jim Valery, the September 7 Courier Mail reported.

The union was reacting to the government’s agreement to allow the mine’s owners — BHP-Billiton-Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) — to employ all of its workforce of 500 on fly-in, fly-out contracts.

The state government says BMA must also build 400 homes in the Bowen Basin, including 160 in Moranbah.



Valery told the Courier Mail: “The government’s media statement on their approval of the BMA 100% fly-in, fly-out application is completely misleading, and I’m personally very disappointed in their arrogant and out-of-touch behaviour on this entire process.

“It’s clear this government just isn’t listening to regional leaders and communities. Many communities feel they are banging their heads up against a wall of Bligh government spin.

“This decision will open the floodgates for forced 100% fly-in, fly-out operations across the Queensland industry, promoting unsustainable population imbalances ... between residents and non-residents, and an explosion of mega temporary accommodation camps.”

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.