BHP rail workers fight for annual pay rise
Train Crews in the Pilbara are taking on BHP over the principle that they should get a guaranteed annual pay increase, instead of relying on performance appraisals.
Union members have three main asks for a new Enterprise Agreement, including a guaranteed annual pay rise, consultation and communications on rosters and housing, accomodation and a consistent flight assistance policy for workers.
Representatives from the Union and BHP have now met for ten meetings, and while some progress has been made, the Union is concerned that not enough progress has been made in a key claim, which is the way workers are remunerated.
BHP has maintained their position that employees should continue to be remunerated through the use of market rate reviews and the annual performance appraisal process. The Union believes that remuneration should be provided through a guaranteed annual percentage increase to employees’ base rates and the annual performance appraisal process should only be used to establish Short-Term Incentive payments.
“Rail workers have a severe lack of trust in BHP. In 2014 BHP promised workers that they would not take away any conditions. However, BHP turned around and took away the flight assistance policy for new starters, home purchase support, Christmas and Boxing Day bonus, rental assistance and unlimited sick leave,” said WA Organiser Warren Johncock.
“With this lack of trust in the company, workers feel that we need to lock in annual percentage increases.
“BHP has recorded record profits. In this climate, we are in a great position to keep campaigning and demand more from our Agreement.”
Consultation with members is currently taking place, with the prospect of protected industrial action if BHP’s offer doesn’t improve.