Premier Coal workers reject deal and demand fair share

Premier Coal workers have voted down the company’s proposed enterprise agreement by 91.5%, demanding fair pay and greater security as the Collie mine approaches closure.

The Mining and Energy Union and Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union said the rejection sent a clear message to Premier Coal and Yancoal: workers will not accept an agreement that leaves their earnings and future exposed.

MEU WA District Secretary Greg Busson said workers had stood together to demand an agreement that recognised their contribution and protected their families.

“This is expected to be the last enterprise agreement for these workers at Premier Coal. They know how much is riding on it, and they have decided this offer is not good enough,” Mr Busson said.

“Workers need more of the wage increases delivered up front, while they can be certain of receiving their full value. They also need protection against roster changes that could leave them thousands of dollars worse off.

“Premier wants experienced workers to stay and keep the mine operating through its final years. It needs to give them the pay and certainty to do that.

“The company must now return to the bargaining table with a better offer.”

AMWU WA State Secretary Steve McCartney said Yancoal had a responsibility to the workers and community who had sustained its operations.

“Yancoal is a foreign-owned company run for profit, and the Collie workers who have helped generate those profits deserve fair pay and security as the mine approaches closure,” Mr McCartney said.

“These workers have helped power Western Australia. They should not be expected to carry the uncertainty of closure while the company puts its commercial interests first.

“They deserve to maximise their earnings in the years they have left, protect their entitlements and have paid time to train for the jobs they will need next.

“Yancoal cannot expect loyalty from its workforce while refusing to give workers confidence in their own future.

“Workers have stood together and rejected this offer. We're ready to take the next step and hurt this company enough to make them see sense.”

Mr Busson said both unions remained committed to securing an agreement workers could support.

“The issues are clear: bring the wage increases forward, address the roster risks and commit to a proper redundancy scheme.

“Premier has the opportunity to resolve this dispute by delivering the agreement these workers deserve.”