Qld: BHP coal mine Workers fight back

Australia’s richest company targets families and conditions

BHP has ended negotiations with the three unions representing 4,000 coal mineworkers at its seven Central Queensland operations and issued an ultimatum in the form of a proposed new EA that undermines working and living conditions and attacks families.

The mineworkers will continue their campaign of protected action as the company ramps up its attack for extended overtime, longer rosters and an end to Christmas and Boxing Day as the only two days shut down across its operations.

CFMEU Mining & Energy Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said that for a company that has just raked in a $23.4 billion profit for the year, “BHP is acting like a spoiled greedy bully.

“This is a company that once prided itself on being ‘The Big Australian’ and when it had much smaller profits it actually cared more for its workers, their families and the communities. Now it is all about greed at the expense of fair working conditions, decent accommodation and respect for families and their need to spend time together.

“BHP does not need to further swell its super-profits by attacking workers who provide their wealth nor the families that make up the mining communities that support them. It is a disgrace and our members will continue to fight BHP for a fair go”, he said.