The CFMEU has warned BHP’s management that their attitude towards their own workers is outdated and condescending.

Queensland District President Mr Stephen Smyth warned, “BHP is attempting to slip a clause into the upcoming agreement that would force workers to bargain in small, divided groups."

“As everyone knows, this would allow BHP to dominate the negotiations and dictate to the workers whatever terms of employment BHP wants."

Mr Smyth said that BHP’s attempts to get workers to leave their families and work over the Christmas period demonstrated the company’s true agenda.

“BHP’s attempts to pull families apart at Christmas shows the risk of allowing BHP to dominate these negotiations.”

“BHP management might think its workers are mugs, but unfortunately for them, their workers know exactly what they’re up to. In this day and age, BHP should know better.”

Mr Smyth said the group of unions standing behind the workers, known as the SBU (Single Bargaining Unit), had launched a social media and newspaper press campaign. “We’re not going to let BHP divide its workers into small, easy-to-pick-off groups.”

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Visit our BHP SBU campaign site and watch the "Fair Go for Billionaires" video.