The coal miners’ strike at Rix’s Creek near Singleton has entered its seventh week, becoming one of the longest industrial disputes in the Hunter Valley in more than 25 years.
Members of the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) remain locked out by the mine’s owner, the Bloomfield Group, after negotiations over a new enterprise agreement broke down. The key sticking point appears to be the mine’s accident-pay system.
It’s the longest strike in the region since the 1997 Hunter Valley No. 1 dispute, when miners walked off the job for six weeks over work-practice reforms under the then Howard Government.
The MEU says its members will remain locked out until at least Saturday, as both sides show little sign of compromise.
Hunter MP Dan Repacholi, who has visited the picket line, and has called on the company and the union to find common ground and bring the dispute to an end.
“The strike at Rixes Creek has gone on for way too long.” said Repacholi.
“It’s into the seventh week now, and it’s one of the longest industrial actions we’ve seen in the Hunter for many, many years, and something has to give. When 92 per cent of the workforce rejects a proposal, it’s not because they’re being unreasonable. It’s because they’re standing up for fair treatment and respect.
“These miners have helped build that company’s success and they deserve a fair go at the bargaining table.”
Repacholi knows it’s not easy to stand up to your employer, and he commends the workers for continuing their strike action.
“I take my hat off to them for standing up for their rights, just standing up for fair working conditions and fair pay, and they’re not asking for special treatment,” he said.
“All they’re asking for is that the company gets behind them, backs them in, and then they can find a way forward so that they can come to an agreement.
“I’m urging Bloomfield Group to show some leadership and respect. Bargaining isn’t about teaching people a lesson. It’s about reaching an agreement that works for everyone.”
With the strike at the end of its seventh week, it’s unclear when industrial action will end.
Dan Repacholi confirmed that the Federal Government won’t look to step in to fast-track an agreement between the two parties, and instead noted the critical role unions play.
“This is why we have unions to make sure that agreements don’t go backwards, and to make sure that the workforce is being looked after and that it’s safe and secure, and that they have the conditions they need,” Repacholi said.
“I take my hat off to the workforce. I take my hat off to the unions involved and the mining energy union involved in supporting their members and making sure that they are getting the best deal they possibly can.
“As far as the Federal Government goes, we we will leave this up to the Mining and Energy Union, the workforce, and Bloomfield to come to some sort of an agreement. We just hope that it can happen very soon.”
