Workers at Yancoal's Premier Coal mine in Collie have overwhelmingly voted in favour of protected industrial action as they fight for security over wages and redundancy entitlements in what is expected to be their final Enterprise Agreement before the mine closes.
More than 90 per cent of Mining and Energy Union members supported every form of action proposed, including stoppages longer than 12 hours. Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union members also overwhelmingly backed action, with about 93 per cent voting in support.
The result sends a strong message to Premier Coal that workers are resolute about securing an agreement that protects their incomes and entitlements through the mine's remaining years.
Premier Coal supplies coal for electricity generation in Collie and sits at the heart of Western Australia's transition away from government-owned coal-fired power generation by 2030.
With the mine ultimately facing closure, workers need certainty about what they will earn during its remaining life and the redundancy entitlements they will receive when their jobs end.
A central issue in negotiations is protection against future changes that could reduce workers' redundancy payments.
The current agreement contains six possible roster arrangements, some of which would impact redundancy calculations if implemented. The unions want guarantees that workers who stay until the end won't be disadvantaged in their redundancy calculations.
They are also seeking fair salary increases that recognise the importance of retaining an experienced workforce through the mine's final years.
MEU WA District Secretary Greg Busson welcomed the decisive ballot result.
"Premier workers have sent an unmistakable message: they understand how important this agreement is and they are resolute about protecting their future," Mr Busson said.
"These workers are prepared to keep doing the job needed to power Western Australia through the transition. In return, they need certainty over their wages and redundancy entitlements.
"They will not accept a deal that offers no protections for redundancy and no pay increase.
"We have not seen the movement needed from Premier Coal. We hope the company listens to this strong message and returns to the table ready to provide the security its workforce deserves.
"Members want to reach a fair agreement, but they have made it clear they are prepared to take protected industrial action to secure it."
AMWU WA State Secretary Steve McCartney warned that the social license to operate of the Chinese-owned mine was under serious threat.
"Yancoal has shown repeatedly that it does not care about WA workers. They've forced mine shutdowns, sacked workers with bare minimum notice, and are now offering their remaining workers a pittance.
"AMWU and MEU members are serious about action and serious about getting an outcome.
Premier Coal has been provided with significant support from the WA Government, including the announcement of a state government backstop of worker entitlements and a proposed state government owned rehabilitation body to take over Premier Coal's rehabilitation work.
"Yancoal now has a simple decision: pay WA workers or pay China", Mr McCartney said.
