The McGowan Government has facilitated the signing of critical Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Synergy and Western Australian unions, to ensure a smooth transition for Muja C employees ahead of its staged retirement.
The Western Australian unions include the Electrical Trades Union, Australian Services Union and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union.
The MOUs form a significant part of Synergy’s Workforce Transition Program, which provides an open and collaborative process for employees affected by the retirement of Muja C.
The program encourages employees to act early and choose a pathway that best meets their personal circumstances whether it is: redeployment, assistance with job searching, upskilling, financial planning support and preparation for retirement.
Synergy is currently receiving formal expressions of interest from employees indicating their preferred pathway upon the staged retirement of the Muja C units on October 1, 2022 and October 1, 2024.
In August 2019, the McGowan Government announced two of four operating units at Muja Power Station will be retired from October 2022, to protect against higher power bills for households and ensure the State’s electricity supply remains stable.
As stated by Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
“The energy industry is undergoing unprecedented levels of change that will have an ever-increasing impact on our electricity system, Synergy’s workforce and the Collie community.
“We will continue to work closely with Synergy, the workforce and unions to ensure all workers impacted by the closure will be supported and given options for future pathways.
“Muja Power Station is the oldest power station in WA; the high operating costs of Muja C units and increased maintenance requirements will force power prices up if it remains open.
“The McGowan Government will continue to support economic diversity and jobs in Collie to shape the future energy market.”
As stated by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:
“I’m glad that Synergy and the unions have taken a positive approach to this evolution and are working together to better navigate through the challenges and opportunities presented.
“The McGowan Government remains committed to the Collie region, with a $60 million investment in the Industry Attraction and Development Fund, and $20 million Collie Futures Fund, which is already creating jobs in Collie.”
