December 2022

BHP members support new EA that sees permanent jobs grow

Workers at four BHP mines in Central Queensland have voted up a new Enterprise Agreement (EA) that guarantees growth in permanent job numbers. Voting by workers at Goonyella Riverside, Saraji, Peak Downs and Blackwater mines concluded at midday on Thursday, with the majority of workers voting in support of the new agreement.

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Members strike against dodgy individual contracts

Emergency services officers at AGL Loy Yang A have commenced protected industrial action to fight the introduction of individual contracts and instead reinstate a Union Agreement that provides for strong collective conditions.

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50 years of struggle; and how the ‘bucket shop dog’ got off its leash

Past and present members of our Peak Downs Lodge gathered in Moranbah earlier this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Lodge - and a stick-figure dog that went viral before the internet.

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In Other News

Withdrawal update

We are pleased to report we have made important progress in our application for a ballot of members to withdraw from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU). Since National Convention voted unanimously in March 2021 to apply for a ballot to withdraw from the amalgamated union, we have faced numerous legal challenges and had our first application to the Fair Work Commission rejected on technical grounds. Read More

Coal’s record-breaking year in five numbers

2022 was a record-breaking year for coal in more ways than one. Volatile markets due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the global pandemic, wet weather patterns, and the policy challenges of the energy transition, all combined to deliver the extraordinary circumstances the coal industry now finds itself in. Below we reflect on the figures that staggered us this year.  Read More

APPLY NOW: Scholarships for miners and family members return for 2023

Applications for our 2023 Mineworkers Trust scholarships for further education are open until February. Read More

These retired members know what solidarity means

Retired mine workers and their families in the South Western District regularly come together to socialise, share a meal and catch up with their former work mates. Read More

Community giving continues strong in 2022

Mining Energy Members have continued a long tradition of generous community giving this year. Read More

From the President

Chicken Little miners aren’t about to pack up drills and go home

Australia’s mining companies would have us believe they are ready to pack up their drills and diggers and go home.

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