Two federal Hunter MPs want Origin Energy to “stop playing games” and secure jobs at Myuna Colliery as soon as possible.
Shortland MP Pat Conroy and his local counterpart Dan Repacholi have condemned the electricity provider for its handling of recent negotiations with the mine’s operators.
Origin only offered Centennial a new 12-month coal supply contract this week, despite neighbouring Eraring Power Station receiving a lifeline until 2029.
But, that deal was rejected for being “commercially unviable and incapable of providing certainty” for employees, their families and the wider community.
Now, the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), Collieries Staff and Officials Association (CSOA), Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) are banding together to protect the workers.
Myuna Colliery was built solely to supply coal to Eraring Power Station and has no alternative domestic or export markets.
Without a viable arrangement, the mine faces closure as a direct consequence of Origin’s refusal to commit to a reasonable agreement, leaving 300 direct jobs at risk.
“I stand with the workers and broader community that for generations have given their blood, sweat and tears at Myuna,” Mr Conroy said.
“Origin has generated power and profits for decades off the backs of these people but is now turning its back on them.
“The company should do the right thing by the employees, and their families, as well as the businesses and community that have done the right thing by it for many years.
“Origin must come back to the table with an agreement that provides financial security and certainty for the workers at Myuna.
“We’re not talking about a forever deal.
“We just want an agreement that gives them certainty for a few more years… and that supports the community that has been supporting our region for decades.”
Mr Repacholi agreed wholeheartedly.
“Origin’s offer [yesterday] was disgraceful,” he said.
“It was spin, not a solution.
“A short-term, take-it-or-leave-it proposal that provides no certainty for workers, their families or the local community is not good enough.
“Eraring is running until 2029 and while Origin is locking in years of power generation, they’re refusing to lock in the local jobs that make that power possible.
“Myuna was built to supply Eraring.
“There is no alternative market.
“If Origin walks away, this mine closes and that is a deliberate commercial choice, not an unavoidable part of the energy transition.
“You cannot talk about responsibility, reliability or community while putting 300 workers on the chopping block and calling it an ‘offer’.
“The Hunter deserves better than corporate spin.
“Origin must come back to the table with a genuine, long-term agreement that keeps people in work for as long as Eraring is operating.
“Anything less is unacceptable.”
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