The longest running industrial dispute in WA’s coal mining history has ended with Griffin Coal mine maintenance workers accepting a new enterprise agreement and starting back at work on Wednesday, February 14.
Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary Steve McCartney welcomed the outcome but is now calling for changes to Australia’s industrial laws.
“This is a significant victory for Griffin Coal workers,” he said.
“I’m very proud of the membership and the community for standing up to a multinational company and an industrial relations system that is weighted heavily against them. It’s a fantastic achievement for our members to protect their family friendly rosters and get back their … entitlements.”
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the Fair Work Commission should be able to direct, and not just recommend, outcomes to the company and union.
“That is a fault in the system,” he said.
Federal workplace and deregulation minister Craig Laundy said employers and employees should be able to bargain in good faith.
“The Fair Work Act provides workers with the right to take strike action in the course of bargaining – within sensible limits,” he said.
“It’s appropriate that difficult disputes are referred to the Fair Work Commission, the independent umpire, which can help solve workplace disputes through mediation and conciliation. These arrangements remain suitable.”
Griffin Coal spokesperson James Riordan said the company appreciated the assistance of those who helped to finalise the new agreement.
“This is another step in ensuring the sustainability of the mine in order to take the business forward,” he said.
The maintenance workers were on strike for more than 180 days which had a significant impact on the Collie community.
The AMWU set up a fighting fund for the workers which several unions contributed. Mr Murray paid tribute to the workers.
“[Griffin] didn’t handle it the Australian way where a fair thing is a fair thing,” he said.
“They took every opportunity to extend the stoppage and that’s not a feather in their cap and should be ashamed of themselves.”