Common Cause - October 2022

October 2022

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Peabody moves to tear up EA

Peabody has applied to terminate an Enterprise Agreement covering workers at the Metropolitan Colliery’s wash plant at Helensburgh, but a new IR Bill includes measures to stop employers scrapping EAs during bargaining.

Strong support for protected action

Members at BHP coal mines in Central Queensland have shown strong support for taking protected industrial action to improve job security protections in their Enterprise Agreement.

Next Stop: Same Job Same Pay

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi provides an update on Labor’s new Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill and and the pathway towards Same Job Same Pay laws.

Mine operator Sojitz Blue has applied to the Federal Government for permission to employ overseas excavator and multi-skilled operators at the Gregory Crinum mine. At the same time, they are refusing to put the existing workforce on a fairly negotiated Enterprise Agreement reflecting industry standards. We will fight for local jobs.

In Other News

Union women get Conferences done

Queensland women members met in October for two fantastic days of presentations, special guest speakers, information sessions and networking. Read More

Win for contractors: Chandler loses appeal over redundancy pay

Chandler Macleod has lost its appeal against a legal win by our union determining that it must pay redundancy pay to former employees at the Hunter Valley’s Mount Arthur coal mine. Read More

Two mineworkers killed in WA gold mines

Two workers were killed in a matter of days in Western Australian gold mines earlier this month. We will continue fighting for improvements to safety practices and culture across the industry. Read More

Farewell, Peter Colley

This month we thanked and farewelled our National Research Director Peter Colley on his last day with the Mining and Energy Union before his well-earned retirement. Read More

Help us campaign for a First Nations Voice to Parliament

We are seeking expressions of interest from MEU Members to get involved in training and campaign activities to support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and ensure the success of the 'Voice to Parliament' referendum. Read More

Australian coal exports forecast to remain strong after record year

Current prosperous conditions for Australian coal exporters look set to continue. National Research and Policy Officer Alison Goodwin looks at the latest government forecasts. Read More

From the General President

Budget an important first step to giving workers a voice in energy transition

The past few weeks have seen a succession of power station closure announcements that signal more upheaval for members in the power sector. However, Tuesday’s federal budget contains promising measures designed to support the involvement of workers and their communities in the decisions which will affect their future.