Ulan Underground mineworkers have condemned Glencore for bringing in 60 contract mineworkers with another 80 reportedly on the way as strikebreakers to undermine their lawful protected industrial action to secure fair pay and conditions.
Workers report that the contractors are being bussed in as the permanent workforce continues its rolling campaign of 2-hour stoppages each shift to address wages that lag industry standards, including at Glencore's adjoining mine.
"This is a low act from Glencore," said Craig Carberry, MEU NSW South-West District Vice President. "They are refusing to address the reasonable concerns of their permanent local workforce, like why are they are not paid the same rate as Glencore's own workforce two kilometres down the road at Ulan West. Now they're rubbing salt into the wound by bringing in contractors on even more money to undermine lawful industrial action.
"It's a slap in the face to those of us who've kept this mine running for decades, who live in Mudgee, spend our wages locally and contribute to the community. Glencore is treating us as second-class workers in our own town."
Matt Purtle, President of the Ulan Underground Lodge, said members are furious.
"People here have stuck with Glencore through thick and thin, and this is the thanks we get? Seeing contractors bussed in to take our jobs during a dispute, on a better rate of pay," Mr Purtle said.
"It's hard enough to swallow that Glencore won't lift our base rate to match Ulan West. Now they're rubbing salt in the wound by paying ring-ins even more than that.
The MEU is calling on Glencore to immediately halt the use of strikebreakers, return to the bargaining table and make a fair offer that respects the local workforce and community.
Context & Key Facts:
Ulan Underground is part of the Ulan Coal Complex near Mudgee, NSW, comprising two underground mines (Ulan Underground and Ulan West) and an open cut reserve. Both underground mines are owned and operated by Swiss multinational Glencore.
- MEU members at Ulan Underground have already taken multiple days of full-shift stoppages and are continuing industrial action with no offer yet from Glencore.
- This dispute and industrial action follows 16 months of stalled enterprise bargaining.
- Glencore refuses to align base pay rates with those at Ulan West.
- At least 60 strikebreakers have been brought in, with reports of 80 more coming.
- Strikebreakers are being paid a higher base rate than permanent Ulan Underground workers.
