The Mining & Energy Union (MEU) has reported that negotiations between BMA and rail crew workers have broken down, possibly leading to the workers applying to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an industrial action.
MEU Queensland District Vice President Shane Brunker expresses concern over BMA’s negotiation of a low-quality agreement, claiming it lacks job security, protections, and inadequate pay and conditions.
“Union representatives left the bargaining table gutted after negotiating in good faith and reasonably amending our claims, only to have the package rejected outright by BMA,” Brunker stated.
According to him, the proposed agreement by BMA, a black coal rail company, falls behind other rail companies and only offers backpay for workers until 1 January 2024. He noted that this is a significant setback for the bargaining team, who have been working diligently to reach a mutually agreeable deal.
“When negotiations currently stand, BMA may be able to make unilateral decisions about shift start times which can have major implications for the health and safety of our members who work in an industry where fatigue is a serious hazard,” he said.
He added that BMA may impose unspecified camp periods without pay for employees.
Moreover, Brunker suggests an industrial dispute could significantly impact BMA’s black coal production chain.
“BMA has had ample opportunity to meet us in the middle, but they have consistently disregarded our members’ claims,” he said. “This has left our bargaining representatives no option but to consider next steps.”
The MEU is urging the company to come back to the table and get the agreement back on track.
“With soaring profits and high resources prices the workers who are the vital link in BMA’s Piy to Port Resource Chain deserve more respect. All these workers are asking for are industry standards,” Brunker said.
The agreement pertains to drivers who operate trains carrying coal across BMA’s Central Queensland mines.
In September last year, 84% of BMA Rail Crew workers rejected BMA’s initial offer.
