Griffin Coal maintenance workers have had their return to work delayed after the company hired three new apprentices while the latest pay deal was being considered.
Griffin’s offer had been put to the workers, who were due to vote on the deal by 11.59pm on Monday, February 5.
But the ballot had to be extended until Friday, February 9 after the company hired the apprentices during the consideration period.
If the deal is accepted, the Fair Work Commission will be asked to determine a return-to-work date.
AMWU state secretary Steve McCartney said Griffin’s decision to hire the apprentices had delayed the process.
“After two years of bargaining, industrial action and dispute, we’ve finally come to an agreeable position. But a return to work has been shafted.” he said.
“… They’ve shown no commitment to getting the members back to work.”
The new offer comes after WA Premier Mark McGowan urged the company in December to bring an end to the dispute in the wake of a Fair Work Commission recommendation.
“I phoned the CFO at Griffin Coal this week and asked them to resolve the issues with the workers as soon as possible,” he said at the time.
“I'm urging the company to take the advice of the Fair Work Commission and end what has been a difficult and disruptive period for workers, their families, the Collie community and the company itself.”
Fair Work Commission deputy president Geoffrey Bull handed down his ruling on December 4, in which he recommended that the rates proposed by Griffin Coal should be accepted by workers.
The only exception was for the rates that applied to employees who were placed on a 12-hour roster for more than 21 days.
He urged both parties to accept the proposal and the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union responded by labelling it a “sensible” deal.
But Griffin then decided to review it.
It has been more than 150 days since the maintenance staff started their protected industrial action, making it the longest strike in the history of WA’s coal industry.
During that time, coal production workers have signed a deal which saw them lose about $50,000 per year in wages and superannuation.
Griffin Coal did not return calls from the Collie Mail this week.
