Workers from BHP’s seven Bowen Basin coalmines will take protected strike action for seven days from next Wednesday, February 15.

Representatives from the Single Bargaining Unit (SBU) have today informed BHP of the industrial action after union members last Friday overwhelmingly approved the stoppage.

Workers at the Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Peak Downs, Saraji, Norwich Park, Gregory Crinum, and Blackwater mines will be involved in the strike from midday next Wednesday.

They will return to work at midday on Wednesday, February 22.

CFMEU District President Stephen Smyth said the industrial action was necessary because BHP had failed to address workers’ concerns during 15 months of negotiations for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

“The workers here feel they’ve been left with no choice but to ramp up industrial action,” said Mr Smyth.

“BHP is making enormous profits out of its coking coal operations in Central Queensland, but it doesn’t want to listen to its workforce.

“We need to make sure this mining boom doesn’t come at the expense of workers’ safety and the interests of our mining communities.

Mr Smyth called on Marius Kloppers to intervene after the company CEO yesterday stated BHP wants an agreement reached “with the minimum amount of fuss”.

“The union has wanted this dispute resolved without fuss for more than 15 months now. Mr Kloppers can help us reach a settlement immediately by telling his coal bosses in Brisbane to simply listen to their employees in Central Queensland.”

Contact: Stephen Smyth 0417 897 845 / Martin Watters 0400 179 620

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