Workers taking on-going protected industrial action at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal are buoyed by progress made during negotiations today, the CFMEU Miners Union said.

Movement on key areas of dispute has led the union to call off a planned 24-hour stoppage scheduled for tomorrow.

Progressing negotiations today between workers, represented by the CFMEU, and PKCT management gave workers hope of resolving outstanding issues without further industrial action, said CFMEU District Vice President Bob Timbs.

“We are hopeful we’ll be able to reach a fair outcome on our EBA claims, but that depends on the PKCT board endorsing what was discussed in negotiations today.”

Also today, the CFMEU expressed disappointment in Pacific National Coal’s announcement yesterday it would stand down train drivers, with the company
blaming industrial action at Port Kembla, said Mr Timbs.

“It’s certainly not the CFMEU’s intention to cause issues for employees indirectly affected by the protected action.

“Equally, employers have been known to use threats of sackings and stand-downs to put pressure on workers standing up for a fair go.

“From the outset of this stoppage the union’s door has been open for discussions about any potential impacts of the protected action.

“For example, the CFMEU has agreed to a request from mine operator Gujarat NRE to provide required manning levels to load 50,000 tonnes of coal to a waiting vessel so that the NRE Wongawilli mine can continue production.

“Equally, our door is open to Pacific National to discuss the impact of any future industrial action on its rail operations and come to a solution that protects jobs.”

Contact: Bob Timbs 0417 562 783 / Martin Watters 0400 179 620