Queensland District

New Hope’s decision to circumvent negotiations and attempt to ram through an unfair deal this Wednesday, is an act of disrespect toward workers at New Acland mine, according to the CFMEU Mining
and Energy Division.

New Hope’s decision to circumvent negotiations and attempt to ram through an unfair deal this Wednesday, is an act of disrespect toward workers at New Acland mine, according to the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division.

Women coal mineworkers have reacted angrily to being canvassed about the use of feminine hygiene and toileting products that would reduce their need to take bathroom breaks.

AngloAmerican has surveyed women at some of its central Queensland coal mines about their familiarity and use of ‘she-wees’, menstrual cups and absorbent underpants.

The questions were part of a survey about how inclusive mine site facilities are for women, distributed to women at mines including Dawson and Moura in March.

Workers at the Darling Downs Power Station have warned industrial action will intensify unless Origin Energy drops its commitment to draconian measures that prevent staff from relaxing or planning leave.

Origin Energy requires tradespeople to owe the company 100 hours in free overtime per year, with some operations employees owing 336 hours. This means workers are forced to hover within range of the power station on their days off instead of being able to plan relaxation with their families and achieve work/life balance.

The Mine Dust Diseases Victims Group will hold forums in Rockhampton, Mackay and Moranbah next week to inform current and former coal miners about debilitating and often deadly Black Lung coal mine dust diseases.

Victims Group advocate Jim Pearce said 105 current and retired Queensland coal industry workers have now been diagnosed with industrial lung disease.

“We are aware that there at least 200 more workers going through the testing and diagnosis process,” Mr Pearce said.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan and National Party MPs are trying to whip up fear among coal mine and power workers for their own political benefit but have nothing to offer when it comes to jobs, CFMEU Mining and Energy said today.

Senator Canavan’s attack today on Labor’s proposed Just Transition Authority is deliberate misinformation that sells out coal power workers in southern states for perceived political benefit in Queensland, said CFMEU National President Tony Maher.

The media is changing, but we still want CFMEU Mining & Energy members to have the latest workplace and industry news.

Today we launched the new monthly Common Cause e-news bulletin, featuring some of our top stories and features:

• Hitachi field crew win their fight
• Steering workers through tough times - meet two of our women workplace leaders
• Truck driver dies as terminal lock out continues at PKCT
• Mine dust disease victims head to Melbourne
• Profits up for top coal producers

and more...

CFMEU Mining and Energy has welcomed the findings of a Peabody investigation into the serious fire at North Goonyella mine in 2018 that has left the mine out of operation for more than six months.

Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said the company’s investigation must be backed up by an independent investigation by the Mines Department before the mine reopens.

“This was a very serious mine fire that could have ended in large-scale tragedy,” says Mr Smyth.

Victims of coal mine dust diseases and their supporters rallied outside BHP's plush Melbourne headquarters in an attempt to meet with the CEO of BHP and other senior executives.

The group is campaigning for the establishment of a victims’ support fund to help people with mine dust diseases and their families cope.

Mine dust disease victims have travelled from Central Queensland in an effort to get the attention of BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie, who has so far refused to meet with them.

A  tragic accident causing the death of a mineworker and injuries to several others at Anglo American’s Moranbah North mine has deeply shaken Central Queensland’s mining community.

“A worker will never return home at the end of his shift. Others are injured. We are devastated by this news,” said Queensland District President, Stephen Smyth.

The mineworker who was killed was a long-term CFMEU member.

“On behalf of the Union, we extend our sincere condolences to the family. They will have our full support in dealing with this tragic loss.

Victims of coal mine dust diseases and their supporters rallied outside BHP’S Brisbane office on Friday.

The group is campaigning for the establishment of a victims support fund to help people with mine dust diseases and their families cope.

The Mine Dust Victims Group has written to the CEO of BHP, Andrew Mackenzie, seeking the company’s support and are angry that they have not received a response.

Victims’ advocate Jim Pearce – a former coal miner and Queensland State MP – said today mine dust victims would not accept being ignored by the mining corporations.