GRIFFIN mine workers have been ordered to down tools and stop operating machinery at the mine.
Carna Contractors, which is the contractor and go between Lanco Infratech and Griffin Coal Mining, told the workers on Thursday afternoon to effectively stop work following parent company Lanco's non-payment of a figure in the ballpark of $40 million to Carna.
The 260 production workers, however, are continuing to be paid.
"We have to turn up for shift as per usual but if there is no work, or only a limited amount, it is being rostered out in a fair manner," one effected employee who wanted to remain anonymous said.
"Any surplus workers are sent home where they remain on standby on full pay on the understanding they must be prepared to return to work if called back during normal shift hours," the employee said.
"This will continue until full payment is received."
This is just the latest financial dispute between Lanco, and Carna and the Griffin mine workers.
"How much longer can Lanco continue to drip-feed operations and expect them to continue running in an efficient manner?" asked Mr Wood.
Several weeks ago another dispute over late payments, which included superannuation, nearly led to workers taking action after payment was also delayed.
Following intensive CFMEU union lobbying and extensive consultation with the relevant authorities from Carna and Lanco payment was eventually received.
Indian-owned Lanco's financial problems have made media headlines repeatedly in the last few weeks, particularly their ambitious project to export coal from Bunbury while critics lash out at what they claim is the inefficiency of the company's local operations.
CMFEU district secretary Gary Wood said said although mine workers were reporting to work each day and continuing to be paid until the situation is resolved, the workers were worried about their long-term future.
"How much longer can Lanco continue to drip-feed operations and expect them to continue running in an efficient manner?" asked Mr Wood.
"Further terms of the agreement also state that if payment is not received Carna can cease production, however, workers must continue to be paid."
"This is more than just about payment, it is also about job satisfaction and security."
"Under the contract between Lanco Infratech, as the owner of Griffin coal, payment was meant to have been made by July 1 and this has not been received.
"Further terms of the agreement also state that if payment is not received Carna can cease production, however, workers must continue to be paid."
Despite the negative atmosphere Griffin Coal Mining spokesman David Trench said he is optimistic that the issue will be sorted out.
"I'm confident that the matter will be resolved and although the miners have been effected this is basically a problem between corporations," Mr Trench said.