Workers at the Wambo United Joint Venture coal mine near SSingleton have delivered an overwhelming vote in favour of protected industrial action as negotiations continue for a replacement Enterprise Agreement.
More than 95 per cent of participating workers supported every proposed form of industrial action, with around 95 per cent of eligible employees taking part in the ballot. About 70 per cent of votes were cast within the first few hours.
The Mining and Energy Union says the dispute centres on Glencore’s proposed lower‑tier job classifications, changes to on‑site conditions, a lack of engagement on workers’ claims and the company’s refusal to backpay any new agreement. The lower‑tier classifications are particularly contentious because they would not apply to directly employed workers at Wambo, instead affecting benchmark pay rates used for labour hire comparisons under Same Job Same Pay laws.
Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the result reflected a highly engaged workforce.
“A 95 per cent turnout is an extraordinary result and shows just how strongly workers feel about the direction of these negotiations,” Mr Williams said.
“It should be a wake‑up call for Glencore. The workforce is engaged, organised and standing together.”
The Wambo dispute mirrors similar bargaining issues at other Glencore‑operated Hunter Valley mines, including Ravensworth and Mangoola. While a successful ballot does not automatically trigger industrial action, it gives workers the legal ability to take protected action if negotiations do not progress.
