Oz coal labour dispute

Negotiations for a new enterprise agreement at Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) began last August and there have since been 50 meetings with management to try to resolve the issue – all to no avail.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and IndustriALL Global Union say that the bargaining has been marred by “management intransigence” and “aggressive anti-union tactics” – largely by shutting out the trade unions from negotiations.

ITF accuses PWCS of trying to weaken the permanent employment of workers and outsource labour.

Paddy Crumlin, ITF President, said: “Workers at PWCS have voted to take protected industrial action. We therefore call on PWCS, Rio Tinto and the coal companies who use the port to demonstrate their commitment to negotiating a collective agreement that provides for job security and rights to union protection.”

Meanwhile, PWCS told Port Strategy that it is working in good faith towards an agreement.

Paul Chamberlin, spokesperson for PWCS, said to PS: ” The negotiations have been conducted in good spirit and we genuinely believe all parties would like the issues resolved and a new enterprise agreement signed.”

He added: “There is no suggestion whatsoever that the company is acting in an anti-union manner or is against collective bargaining.”

But sticking points remain revolve around dispute resolution procedures and pay levels and there is no sign of getting anywhere fast.