Mining and Energy Union

Did you know that MEU members working in coal mining each contribute $2.3 million a year to the national economy? The multinational operators might pat themselves on the back for their record profits, but the true wealth-creators of the coal industry have always been the workers operating mines over long shifts and in challenging environments. The MEU will always stand by the real source of mining wealth in this country - the hard-working coal mineworkers and the regional communities that support them. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gRJUzDw8

Hundreds of mine workers are up for $10,000 to $25,000 pay bumps thanks to our first successful Same Job Same Pay application! Workpac labour hire workers at Callide Batchfire near Biloela are to be the first of many, following the Mining and Energy Union successfully proving that they perform the same work as directly employed workers. We caught up with the permanent and labour hire MEU members at Callide Lodge to find out how they're feeling, and why this win is so important for their community.

350 labour hire workers employed at Batchfire’s Callide mine at Biloela in Central Queensland are in line for a pay rise after the Fair Work Commission today decided in favour of issuing the first order under new Same Job Same Pay laws. The order covers labour hire mineworkers employed by Workpac at Callide. It means their pay must be lifted to match rates under the Batchfire Enterprise Agreement covering permanent employees from 1 November this year. Workpac employees in general received about $10,000 to $20,000 less than Batchfire employees a year and the order would close this gap. Our members are ecstatic to be the first worksite in Australia to receive a Same Job Same Pay order and are proud to be paving the way for more successful Same Job Same Pay applications. We have campaigned for years to return fairness to the industry, and we are incredibly proud to see these new laws are lifting pay and job security as intended. We will continue to file more applications. If you are a labour hire coal mineworker, join today and help us get Same Job Same Pay at your worksite! Read more at https://lnkd.in/gmmgqYFY

We welcome this initiative announced by Skills and Training Minister Brendan O'Connor to redesign and update vocational education and training pathways. The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) will be one of the first Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) to progress the reforms meaning mining will be one of the first industries to benefit. #JobsandSkillsCouncils #AUSMASA

Our Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams wrote in today's Newcastle Herald about why coal power workers can't wait for nuclear plants to bring new jobs. We need new job pathways for coal power workers now, not in the 2040s.

Today, we have made our first applications for Same Job Same Pay orders at BHP mine sites. Our applications cover about 1700 WorkPac, Operations Services and Chandler Macleod employees at Peak Downs, Saraji and Goonyella Riverside coal mines. Orders would lift these labour hire workers’ pay to rates in line with the BMA Enterprise Agreement, with varying pay increases between $10,000 and $40,000 a year. BHP has been a driver of BHP has driven the casual labour hire model to drive down wages and cut job security. They need to accept that using labour hire purely to cut pay is now against the law. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGmW7_tY

The Mining and Energy Union welcomes today’s appointment of Dr Iain Ross AO as Chair of the Net Zero Economy Authority.  MEU General President Tony Maher said Dr Ross, a former President of the Fair Work Commission, has a wealth of industrial relations experience and is well placed to ensure workers’ interests are protected during Australia’s energy transition.  “A key element of the Authority’s work will be implementing the Energy Industry Jobs Plan to support workers affected by power station closures,” said Mr Maher.  “For the sake of our energy workforce and energy regions, it’s very important that this work succeeds.  “I am confident Dr Ross has the expertise and track record to lead this work.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gHF6SUqq

BREAKING: Same Job Same Pay has just delivered its first win! In response to our Same Job Same Pay application at the site, twenty-seven Programmed labour hire coal miners at Mt Pleasant have been offered permanent jobs by Thiess, with pay rises of more than $30,000 a year. Now, not only will these labour hire workers be paid the same rate as their workmates, but they will receive the same conditions and entitlements too. This is an important first step in restoring wage justice across the mining industry. Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/gASnBNjG

The confirmation Eraring Power Station’s will continue operating is good news for energy security and jobs at the power station, but it is now up to Origin to do the right thing and negotiate in good faith to support local employment. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gGxKJpU6

In a big win by the MEU legal team, the Fair Work Commission has rejected another application by BHP for approval of their OS Production Agreement, finding that it was not valid because it had not been explained properly to workers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMbK_YSr