NSW: Appin Mine Managers prepare for action

Supervisors at Illawarra Coal's Appin Mine have voted overwhelmingly to support a range of protected industrial action, from brief stop-work meetings to week-long stoppages which may stop mining production.

Ninety-eight per cent of supervisors voted in favour of supporting protected action in the ballot, which was held on Friday.

About 50 mine managers are pushing for pay increases including an 18 per cent "market adjustment", plus four per cent rises each year, as part of a new enterprise agreement.

Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia collieries staff division director Catherine Bolger said the result of the ballot was due to parent company BHP Billiton’s refusal to pay market rates.

Ms Bolger said supervisors were told by the miner last week that there was “no money in the bucket” to bring their base salary up to current market levels, despite having been in enterprise negotiations for five months.

"This is a last resort for these supervisors," she said.

"They are incredibly frustrated at BHP’s hardline antics. They deserve to be paid fairly and in line with other mines in NSW and QLD."

"These supervisors deserve to be paid properly. They are responsible for the safety of all mine workers, the handling of explosives and making sure mine production is smooth - their work delivers huge profits for BHP.

"Industry pay rates for mine supervisors have increased over the last four years, yet Appin supervisors haven’t received their fair share of that growth. They are now seeking an adjustment."