The Mining and Energy Union has condemned Peabody’s decision to lock out 19 workers at the United Wambo coal handling and preparation plant for a further 14 days, accusing the company of preferring to punish workers than negotiate fairly.
Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said Peabody’s public focus on workers’ annual earnings was a deliberate distraction from the company’s own executive pay.
“Peabody is happy to talk about workers’ pay, but not about the fact its CEO received in the order of a 29 per cent pay rise last year. Our members aren’t asking for executive salaries. They’re asking not to fall behind inflation and the rest of the industry,” he said.
Mr Williams said the decision to impose another lockout after 17 rounds of bargaining showed the company was choosing conflict over compromise.
“If Peabody wants this dispute to end, it can end it tomorrow by putting a fair offer on the table instead of locking workers out of their jobs,” he said.
He said union members had acted reasonably and made concessions throughout negotiations.
“Our members have moved during bargaining. They’ve acted reasonably throughout these negotiations. It’s the multinational that keeps reaching for the lockout instead of a solution,” he said.
The union said its members remained united and committed to securing an agreement that reflects industry standards and the value they create.
