BHP-Billiton’s use of 100 per cent FIFO labour ahead of workers from Central Queensland mining communities for two new Bowen Basin mines is a slap in the face for locals, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said today.
Miners’ Union National Secretary Andrew Vickers said Bowen Basin workers were right to feel furious with BHP for shutting them out of the recruitment process, especially after the company closed two nearby coalmines last year.
Mr Vickers said the company’s decision to source workers for its Daunia and Caval Ridge mines solely from Brisbane and Cairns was made worse by the Newman Government’s celebration today of such damaging work practices.
Last week a parliamentary inquiry into FIFO released its report, outlining the damaging impacts of the boom in FIFO work arrangements.
"Giving preference to transient workers does nothing for nearby mining communities, many of which have endured significant job cuts in recent months, particularly at BHP's own operations,” Mr Vickers said.
"By relying so heavily on FIFO, BHP is locking out local workers from the benefits and delivering more of the negative aspects of the mining boom to Central Queensland communities.
"The union strongly urges BHP to rethink its 100 per cent FIFO policy and we also call on the State Government to withhold approval of any new mine applications using only FIFO, unless the company can prove there is no viable alternative.
“The fact that the State Government is applauding rather than condemning BHP for its use of 100 per cent FIFO shows just how endemic the situation is in Queensland."
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