In a bid to quell tensions, Origin Energy has offered a new 12-month contract for the supply of coal from Myuna Colliery.
It comes after the Mining and Energy Union (MEU), Collieries Staff and Officials Association (CSOA), Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) launched a joint campaign this week to save 300 employees at Centennial’s site, as well as a further 1,800 jobs in the local supply chain.
The crusade is also calling on the company to buy coal for Eraring Power Station until its closure in 2029.
In response, Origin confirmed the latest deal on Tuesday 3 February.
“Our offer enables the continuation of the long-term relationship between our organisations and supports ongoing employment for the Myuna workforce,” head of energy supply and operations Greg Jarvis said.
“It provides Centennial time to implement employee support initiatives, too, as part of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan that the Net Zero Economy Authority is currently finalising, along with other state and federal government support.
“Eraring plays an important role in keeping the lights on for NSW households and businesses.
“So, we’re committed to operating it reliably through to its scheduled closure in April 2029.”
Mr Jarvis admitted it was “extremely disappointing” to see workforce-related issues being brought into its commercial negotiations with Centennial Coal.
“We remain of the view that Centennial’s focus should be on helping its workers prepare for their futures through the energy transition,” he said.
“We’ve stepped up and demonstrated how we’re supporting our people as we approach Eraring’s retirement.
“And, we now need Centennial to come to the table and confirm its backing for its workforce through this transition period.
“We believe workers and the community deserve greater transparency from Centennial Coal on how it will support them through the full implementation of the Energy Industry Jobs Plan, if the Net Zero Economy Authority recommends it be required.
“As we seek to manage Eraring’s continuing reliability in the lead-up to its retirement in April 2029, coal quality remains a core focus.
“We’ll continue to closely monitor the quality of coal deliveries.”
For more news stories:
- Man produces gun during Newcastle road-rage incident
- Artists invited to help shape redevelopment of Muswellbrook Hospital
- Woman charged over alleged attempted murder in Lake Mac
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
