By Bill Mason BRISBANE The struggle between Comalco and 78 unionists on strike over wages at the bauxite mining town of Weipa is the first embryonic approach by employers to de-unionise the work force, according to ACTU (Qld) assistant secretary Tim Pallas. The strikers are demanding award pay increases to match $15,000 in rises paid to individual contract workers at Weipa. A blockade by unionists in small boats is preventing tugs and pilot boats from servicing bulk carriers, and holding up the loading of 300,000 tonnes of bauxite valued at $6 million. This company has pockets full of gold as far as contract workers are concerned, Pallas said on November 3. They are trying to buy off the union allegiance of award workers and de-unionise the town so [workers] will not be in a position to bargain collectively any more. n
Weipa unionists hold firm
Issue
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.