Mining and Energy Union (MEU) members at Wambo United Joint Venture have overwhelming voted in favour of protected industrial action.
More than 95% of participating workers at the open-cut site near Singleton supported the decision, which gives them the legal capacity to strike if negotiations for a replacement Enterprise Agreement (EA) fail to progress.
Currently, the operation is an alliance between United Collieries and Wambo Coal.
However, the latest result comes amid growing frustration with Glencore’s bargaining position.
It includes proposals for lower-tier classifications designed to undercut Same Job Same Pay outcomes, that would affect the pay of contractors who do not work under the EA, and the company’s ongoing refusal to backpay any deal despite talks dragging on for months.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said the upshot reflected a workforce that was paying close attention to what was being proposed.
“A 95% turnout is an extraordinary result and shows just how strongly workers feel about the direction of these negotiations,” he explained.
“When about 70% of the workforce votes in the first few hours, it tells you people are engaged… and informed.
“Workers have looked at what Glencore is proposing and they’ve responded accordingly.
“The company shouldn’t be surprised by this outcome.”
Mr Williams said the ballot result should be viewed as a clear message from the workforce.
“It demonstrates workers are united and determined to protect the standards generations of mineworkers have fought to establish,” he added.
“It should be a wake-up call for Glencore.
“The workforce is engaged, organised and standing together.
“The simplest path forward is a fair agreement that addresses workers’ concerns rather than continued attempts to rewrite the rules.
“The MEU remains committed to reaching an agreement through negotiation.
“But, workers have made it clear they expect meaningful movement from the company.”
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