Unionists dispute Weipa decision

Issue 

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Unionists at Comalco's Weipa bauxite mine in far north Queensland are disputing wage rises which the Industrial Relations Commission ruled on March 14 should be paid to 71 award workers.

On March 15, Weipa Industrial Site Committee secretary Wayne Holmquist accused Comalco of not agreeing to a 6.7% wage rise, backdated to April 1995. He said contract workers performing essentially the same job as award workers were still being paid more.

Holmquist also said the company was discriminating against award miners by refusing to grant them overtime or 12-hour shifts and excluding them from safety and training meetings.

A mass meeting of award workers on March 15 discussed possible future action.

The IRC ruling confirmed the right of award workers to receive higher rates of pay, but rejected the ACTU's application to have union representation for workers during staff contract negotiations.

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.