Union members from Griffin and Premier coal mines held a meeting last Thursday to discuss options for negotiating agreements with the two companies.
A proposed new draft agreement which covers the 170 production workers at Griffin will be voted on by workers on Tuesday, July 25.
Workers from both mines were concerned that the draft agreement that covers Griffin staff may have flow-on impacts which will effect workers at Premier Coal.
Workers voiced their fears at the meeting about how the changes in the agreement may impact on the town and region as well as raising concerns about proposed roster changes.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union State Secretary Steve McCartney spoke at the meeting and said it was ‘up to the workers if they decide to push back or not’.
Mr McCartney said it was important for workers to consider all their options and the possible implications before signing any new agreement.
“What we want to make sure that we haven’t done is backed off on the even time roster, backed off on money, and we have made sure that we haven’t backed off on our family time because we decided that it was going to be a decision that both groups had to make,” he said.
The proposed draft agreement will not only see workers receive a drop in their take home pay, but also proposes a reduced rate of superannuation benefits, and a proposed four-on four-off roster, which workers have stated is not family friendly as it interferes with five consecutive weekends.
A spokesperson from Griffin Coal had previously commented on the impacts on their workforce after the termination of Griffin Coal Maintenance Enterprise Agreement last year.
“Griffin Coal acknowledges that the current situation is a difficult time for its employees and their families. No business can continue making large losses indefinitely. The mine is not financially sustainable operating as it is,” they said.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union Secretary Mining and Energy Division - WA District Gary Wood said he was worried about the proposed even time rosters as well as job security.
One of the proposals in the draft agreement stating if Griffin Coal mines over three million tonnes there is no limit on the use of contract workers.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the town was built on people sticking together and he hoped residents would continue to do that as they work through this issue.
“Right from the start, let’s make it clear that it is a very difficult situation. You are working for a company that is allegedly losing money, but at the same time you want to keep your jobs,” he said.