Mineworkers at Peabody’s Wilpinjong open cut coal mine near Mudgee began downing tools last night as they seek fair pay rates and conditions that meet industry standards in the region and make up for years of belt-tightening by workers.
Mining and Energy Union members at Wilpinjong have begun a series of full shift overnight work stoppages after workers near-unanimously voted down Peabody’s proposed deal.
Each of four crews will stop work for 12.5 hour stoppages, the first on Tuesday the 11th at 6.30pm, with subsequent stoppages on the 13th, 16th and 18th of February. It is the second round of stoppages at the site after protected industrial action was also taken in January.
MEU South Western District Vice President Craig Carberry said Wilpinjong workers were overdue a pay rise after accepting minimal or no pay increases during Covid and Peabody’s prior financial strife.
“In their last agreement, Wilpinjong workers accepted 2% annual pay rises and the agreement before, they took a pay freeze to help the company who were facing bankruptcy.
“Now coal prices are booming and it’s time for Peabody to recognise the sacrifices of their workforce who kept the mine running during tough times and delivering big profits based on high coal prices.
“Wilpinjong is one of the lowest-paid coal mines in the region and our local workers and families deserve better treatment from this US-based multinational.”
Workers are seeking:
- Improved pay through annual increases, including 7% in the first year, and an increase to the bonus scheme which hasn’t changed 9 years
- Break (crib) times that assist with fatigue management on long overnight shifts
- An increased uniform allowance to assist with laundry and manage exposure to dangerous silica dust at the mine
- Improvements to long service leave and parental leave entitlements
In the latest round of bargaining, Peabody originally offered workers sub-standard annual increases in the three year agreement before improving their offer to 4% in the first year.
94% of workers voted down Peabody’s most recent Enterprise Agreement, with 98% of workers turned out to vote.
“Wipinjong workers aren’t willing to keep tightening their belts when Peabody is raking in profits from Mudgee coal,” said Mr Carberry. “It’s great to see workers stand up for what they deserve, which is a comprehensive Enterprise Agreements that reflects booming coal prices and industry standards,” said Mr Carberry.
There are 280 MEU members at Wilpinjong.
