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Whyalla miners reject proposed pay cuts

Thursday, 10 Mar 2016 09:19:54

Arrium workers pass a resolution not to accept any changes to pay or conditions until the company's future plans are clearer. (ABC News: Michael Coggan)

Iron ore miners in Whyalla have voted to reject any pay cuts until their employer, Arrium, provides a clear plan for continued operation of its mines and steelworks.

Arrium has asked 400 miners to take a temporary pay cut of 10 per cent, until it can afford to pay them at their normal salaries.

The company has mines near Whyalla, but also operates the steelworks, which it said it would have to mothball if it could not find an extra $60 million.

About 25 nightshift mine workers went to a meeting this morning with company officials.

More meetings will be held later today.

Union officials told the meeting the plan would effectively cut wages by 13 percent.

Union members passed a resolution to not accept any changes to pay or conditions until the company clearly explained a plan for its operations to continue.

It cut about 600 staff from its South Australian operations last year and hundreds more workers now face an uncertain future.

Union officials said this week's announcement of the fast-tracking of a railway upgrade, which Arrium is expected to supply steel to, will not be enough to keep operations running.

The Prime Minister has argued the project will "provide considerable support" to the steelworks.

AustraliaPlus


 

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