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Category: Mining Industry

Griffin Coal workers strike over planned pay cut

Friday, 24 Jun 2016 08:50:19 | Hayley Roman

Striking maintenance workers and their supporters gather outside the Griffin Coal mine. (Supplied: Glenn McLaren)

Maintenance workers at Collie's Griffin Coal mine have walked off the job for 24 hours over a planned 43 per cent pay cut.

Earlier this month, the Fair Work Commission ruled in favour of the company's move to scrap an agreement for 70 maintenance workers.

The move means employees' contracts would revert to award conditions from July 10, and under the Black Coal Award they would earn about $50,000 a year less.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union is appealing against the commission's ruling and has also requested a stay on the order.

The matters are due to be heard on July 5.

Union organiser Glenn McLaren said about 200 workers and family members have gathered outside the company's Ewington mine.

"It's a community driven protest down here in support of our members ... who've gone out the gate for 24 hours to advance their claim," he said.

"This isn't just about 70 maintenance workers. This is about a town. This is about a community. Because if 70 workers have a reduction of 43 per cent in their take home pay, that affects everyone.

"If the plant operators and the other people in industries around the place think this decision stops with Griffin Coal mine, this can happen anywhere in Australia. What's to stop any employer putting in an application to revert its employees back to the award?"

Mr McLaren was unsure how the action would affect the mine's operations, but said it was possible production could face some delays.

He said walking off the job was a last resort after 16 months of negotiations failed to reach a new agreement.

"We've put offers on the table which include reductions in our member's take home pay but it doesn't seem to be enough. The company wants more and more and I don't think it's sustainable. Workers can't afford to live on the award."

Griffin Coal has been contacted for comment.

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