Workers at the Wambo mine washery stepped up protected industrial action this week over their pay dispute with Peabody Energy.
It follows claims Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations with the company and those at the Singleton-based site remain at a stalemate.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) members, employed within Glencore’s United Wambo Joint Venture, state they have been left with no choice after Peabody’s latest pitch.
The leading coal producer put forward a pay offer of just 2.5% per year and proposed changes to bonus arrangements, which would leave the workers worse off.
As a result, the latest strike followed three days of industrial action last week.
MEU’s Northern Mining and NSW Energy District president Robin Williams said Peabody’s deal failed to recognise the contribution of the employees to the operation.
“These workers keep the washery running and delivering value day in, day out,” he explained.
“What they’re being offered is a pay cut in real terms.
“A 2.5% increase simply does not meet the moment.
“And, it certainly doesn’t reflect the strength of the industry or the profits being generated.”
Mr Williams said the proposed changes to bonus structures were also a major concern.
“That’s something we’re bemused about,” he added.
“Workers are rightly worried that Peabody is trying to claw back earnings through changes to bonuses while offering a substandard wage increase.
“That message reflects how these employees feel they’re being treated: undervalued and taken for granted.
“So, they’re standing up for a fair deal… and they deserve one.”
The union is calling on Peabody to return to the bargaining table with an improved offer.
“They can resolve this by putting forward a fair and reasonable agreement.” Mr Williams said.
“That’s all these workers are asking for.”
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