Mineworkers at South 32's Appin coal mine will begin a week of protected industrial action tonight in pursuit of an improved Enterprise Agreement.
The Mining and Energy Union has notified South32 of employees' intention to take half-shift (five or six hour) stoppages across all shifts at the mine and coal preparation plant beginning at 10pm tonight until 31 August.
MEU South Western District Vice President Bob Timbs said that Appin miners were using the rights available to them under the Fair Work Act to secure a better deal on pay and conditions in a context of record high coal prices and growing cost of living pressures.
"Coal miners at Appin and across the industry have worked through many years of downturn and pressure on the coal companies; accepting wage freezes and minimal advancement on pay and conditions.
"Now that coal prices and profits are booming and inflation is rising, workers are seeking to have these changed circumstances reflected in their new Enterprise Agreement.
"We support our members' efforts to secure an improved agreement and we will continue working through issues with South 32 including pay increases, shifts and leave until we can secure a deal that addresses members' concerns."
The Appin Colliery & West Cliff CPP Enterprise Agreement covers nearly 500 production and engineering employees at Appin mine.
Please note the Union will be making no
