Workers denied return to Wambo Coal Handling Preparation Plant
Peabody has extended the Wambo lockout indefinitely at the Wambo Coal Handling Preparation Plant, blocking workers from returning after a two-week shutdown.
On the date workers were due back, the company instead continued to refuse work and wages unless employees dropped part of their lawful protected industrial action.
The Mining and Energy Union accused the multinational coal company of causing financial hardship to pressure workers into accepting an agreement it has described as substandard.
Robin Williams condemns lockout
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the decision cut across Peabody’s earlier claim that the lockout was “not taken lightly” and that it had “no viable alternative”.
“This isn’t something that’s happening to Peabody. This is something Peabody is choosing to do,” Williams said.
Williams pointed to what the union called a contradiction in Peabody’s public position. According to the union, the company has said protected industrial action is not affecting production and that the plant continues to meet its contractual obligations.
However, Peabody has also claimed the same industrial action left it with no choice but to lock out employees. Williams said, “Today’s announcement proves this is an elective bargaining tactic.”
The dispute has also focused attention on executive pay at Peabody. Williams said the company’s chief executive received a pay rise of almost 30% in one year while workers and their families faced going without income for a month.
“Workers are being locked out and told to tighten their belts for asking not to go backwards, while those at the top are rewarded. It says everything about Peabody’s priorities,” Williams said.
Williams also criticised the use of lost wages as leverage in bargaining. He said disputes in Australia should be resolved through good-faith negotiation, not by using workers’ mortgages and grocery bills as pressure points.
Meanwhile, the union said the dispute could end quickly if Peabody ended the lockout and made what it called a fair offer. It said members wanted to return to work but would not accept an agreement they had repeatedly rejected.
