Peabody has commenced a two-week lockout of workers at the United Wambo Washery, escalating an Enterprise Agreement dispute that has been ongoing since early May.
Workers have been taking protected industrial action after rejecting an offer containing annual wage increases of 2.5 per cent and cuts to bonus arrangements.
Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the lockout was an extraordinary response given how close the parties were to reaching agreement.
"There's very little between the parties and this dispute could have been settled weeks ago," Mr Williams said.
"Instead, Peabody has chosen to lock out its own workforce for two weeks."
Mr Williams said workers were right to reject an offer that left them behind the rest of the industry.
"Mining workers across the industry are securing significantly better outcomes than what this multinational originally put on the table."
"These workers know the value they create and they know they deserve a fair share of it."
Mr Williams said the lockout confirmed the company's preference for prolonging the dispute rather than resolving it.
"If Peabody wanted this dispute settled, it could be settled."
"Instead of reaching an agreement, they've chosen to shut workers out of their workplace and put additional pressure on local families."
"Our members remain united and ready to reach a fair agreement. The question is whether Peabody is."
