The Miners' Union is calling on BHP to guarantee worker entitlements and on-going community support on news the mining giant plans to sell two large coal mines in Central Queensland.
Mining and Energy Union Queensland President Stephen Smyth said BHP has made a fortune out of central Queensland coal assets and should not cut and run, leaving workers and communities with an uncertain future.
"I have no doubt that another operator can successfully and profitably run the Daunia and Blackwater mines, as there is strong global demand for Queensland coal," said Mr Smyth.
"But BHP has long been the biggest coal mine operator in central Queensland and I believe they owe it to their workforce and the communities that have sustained them to provide some on-going support.
"BHP must guarantee that workers' entitlements will be protected throughout this process, including their contractor workforce.
"And I call on BHP to make a commitment to providing on-going community support – especially to the town of Blackwater which has supported the Blackwater mine for over 50 years of its operation by BHP.
