Work at Glencore's Ulan underground operations ceased this afternoon as MEU members began 24 hours of strike action.
Fed-up MEU members voted to down tools for 24 hours across all midweek shifts after 16 months of enterprise bargaining meetings failed to deliver a satisfactory agreement. The key issue is Glencore's refusal to lift pay rates to match those at the neighbouring Glencore-owned underground mine, Ulan West.
"It simply doesn't pass the pub test. We work for the same company, doing the same work just two kilometres down the road. We should be on the same base rate." said Craig Carberry, MEU NSW South-West District Vice President.
"Glencore makes billions off our backs, I don't think a bit of fairness is too much to ask." Mr Carberry said.
"All of us live right here in Mudgee. We spend our wages locally, support local businesses, are involved in all aspects of the community and are raising our families here," Mr Carberry said.
"As well as trying to keep us on a lower rate than the mine next door, Glencore continues to outsource jobs to contractors who drive in, get paid more, and take their earnings elsewhere.
We understand that contractors can play an important role when used responsibly, but there's a real concern that Glencore's approach is costing the local community.
"Members don't take decisions around industrial action lightly, but they're fired up over this and understandably so." said Mr Carberry.
The MEU is urging Glencore to get serious and return to the bargaining table with a fair and reasonable offer. Glencore should recognise the value of Ulan workers and respect the Mudgee community, rather than just flat out reject the mineworkers' claims with no counter offers.
Context Ulan Underground is part of the Ulan Coal Complex located near the village of Ulan in the Central West of NSW. The Complex is approximately 45 kilometres north-east of Mudgee. The Complex consists of two underground mining operations, (Ulan Underground and Ulan West) and an open cut coal reserve. The complex is owned 100% by Glencore. Glencore is an Anglo-Swiss multinational commodity trading and mining company with headquarters in Baar, Switzerland.
Key Facts:
MEU members at Glencore's Ulan Underground mine commenced a 24-hour strike today, halting operations across all midweek shifts.
The action follows 16 months of enterprise bargaining talks with no agreement reached.
Glencore refuses to align Ulan Underground base pay rates with those at nearby Ulan West, also Glencore-owned.
Both mines are part of the Ulan Coal Complex, located near Mudgee, NSW, and operated by Glencore.
- The union is calling on Glencore to return to negotiations with a fair offer.
