Mining and Energy Union (MEU) members and representatives from Rix’s Creek Mine are standing firm on their enterprise agreement negotiations, making themselves at home on the New England Highway until things change.
The MEU members have been undertaking industrial action since late September and will continue their picket line until they reach a new agreement.
Bloomfield offered Rix’s Creek workers a total pay increase of 16.75% over the proposed agreement term. It comprised of incremental increases of 4.75%, 4.75%, 4.5% and 2.75% between certification of the new agreement and 30 June 2029. The MEU members rejected that offer and gave formal notice of their intention to commence a series of work bans and stoppages.
They say that action will continue until at least 17th October.
MEU Northern Energy District President Robin Williams said their members are standing together for fairness and security when it comes to accident pay and wages.
“Workers have been patient in these negotiations, but at some point you’ve got to act. Our members feel they’ve been left with no alternative.
“The action is lawful, peaceful, and focused on achieving a fair outcome for workers and their families.
“Right now, workers are subsidising accident pay out of their own pockets. That’s outdated and unfair and it’s what we’re trying to fix. Accident pay should reflect real wages, written into the Agreement, just like it does at other pits,” Robin said.
“Bloomfield used to be known as a fair family company. We’d like to see them return to that reputation by resolving these issues with their workforce.”
The Bloomfield Group’s Managing Director and CEO Brett Lewis said no better offer is being made anywhere in the Hunter coal industry.
“To our knowledge, in the Hunter Valley coal industry, no better offer is currently being proposed or has been
recently agreed. This increase would have maintained – and likely enhanced – Rix’s Creek Mine workers’
remuneration compared to their peers well into the future,” Mr Lewis said.
Bloomfield understands that the MEU is potentially providing financial support for the Rix’s Creek Mine MEU
members during periods of protected action, including work stoppages, protests, and picketing.
“Given the decisions made by the MEU and its members, the Bloomfield Group will reassess its position and consider
ways to reduce cost and operational impacts on the business”, Mr Lewis said.
“We will continue working towards a timely and equitable agreement with the MEU that fairly supports our Rix’s Creek Mine workforce, maintains ongoing job security for everyone in the Bloomfield Group, while also maintaining the Group’s long-term competitiveness in uncertain global markets.”
