Newcastle coal workers strike over pay locked in under 16-year-old deal
Maritime Union workers at Newcastle Coal are striking. They oppose pay locked in by a 16-year-old agreement.
Waterfront and electrical workers at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group rallied Tuesday at the Kooragang coal terminal. The workers started industrial action over pay and conditions.
The workers have used the same enterprise agreement for more than 16 years. The agreement came from the Howard government's WorkChoices era.
The union says their wages and conditions fall short of equivalent jobs at other worksites. Yet the workers are highly skilled and generate big profits for the company.
A skeleton crew keeps the terminal running during the strike. MUA Newcastle branch secretary Glen Williams said the union tried good faith talks.
The company rejected their offer and gave back a proposal workers would not accept. The company says its technicians rank among the highest-paid industrial tradespeople in the Newcastle region.
- 16 years
- Agreement age
- Kooragang
- Terminal
- Maritime Union of Australia
- Union
- Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group
- Company
Why it mattersExtended industrial action at a major coal export terminal can disrupt supply chains. It can also push energy prices higher.
AustraliaDisruption at Newcastle Coal terminal affects Australia's coal exports and could have flow-on effects for power costs and international customers relying on Australian coal.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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