High Turnout Reflects Worker Frustration

At the Wambo United Joint Venture coal mine near Singleton in the NSW Hunter Valley, workers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of protected industrial action. A significant 95% of eligible workers participated in the vote, with 95% supporting the action, announced on 1st June.

Managed by Glencore, with Wambo Coal owned by Peabody Energy, the mine is currently in negotiations over a replacement Enterprise Agreement. Proposed lower-tier classifications are at the centre of the dispute, with workers arguing these would undermine Australia’s Same Job Same Pay laws. These classifications would apply to contractors, not directly employed workers, affecting benchmark rates used in labour hire comparisons.

Frustration has grown over Glencore’s bargaining proposals, which include changes affecting contractors’ pay and the company’s refusal to backpay any new agreement. Similar disputes are ongoing at other Glencore-operated mines in the region, such as Ravensworth and Mangoola. These mines face proposals for lower-tier classifications as well.

Strong Worker Engagement

Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams highlighted the strong worker engagement. He stated, “A 95% turnout is an extraordinary result and shows just how strongly workers feel about the direction of these negotiations.”

Unity among workers is evident, as Williams noted the high participation rate within the first few hours of voting, showing their determination. More than 70% of the workforce cast their vote early, reflecting their keen interest in the outcome.

While a successful ballot does not automatically trigger industrial action, it provides workers with the legal capacity to do so if negotiations stall. The union remains committed to reaching an agreement through continued discussions with Glencore. The bargaining issues at Wambo mirror those in other negotiations at Glencore-operated sites, pointing to a regional trend in labour disputes.

Robin Williams further commented, “This vote demonstrates that workers are united and determined to protect the standards generations of mineworkers have fought to establish.” He emphasised that this should serve as a clear message to Glencore, urging the company to reconsider its position.

Last updated: 29 June 2026, 11:57 am