Workers at one of Western Australia’s last two coal mines have staged a walkout, expressing dissatisfaction with their pay and job security. Over 100 employees from Premier Coal participated in a two-hour strike as concerns mount over the impending closure of state-owned coal-fired power plants by 2030.
Premier Coal has pledged to negotiate a fair and sustainable agreement with its workforce. The mine workers, who are the primary supplier to the Muja and Collie power plants, initiated the stoppage at 4 PM on Tuesday, joined by local residents advocating for better wages in light of the WA government’s intention to phase out coal power generation.
The state government has confirmed plans to close both power stations, situated 200 kilometers south of Perth, by 2030. This decision raises questions regarding alternative energy sources.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has criticized proposed changes to work rosters, warning that some of these alterations could lead to annual income reductions of around $30,000 due to lost penalty rates. MEU district secretary Greg Busson noted that the average salary for mine workers is approximately $150,000 annually, with over 90% of the workforce being unionized.
Although Premier Coal has proposed a 12% wage increase distributed over four years, the union is advocating for a more immediate adjustment. Busson highlighted that certain roster changes might lead to significant pay cuts, urging workers to maximize their earnings during the remaining operational years of the coal mine.
Currently, workers follow a 12-hour shift pattern that includes four days on, four days off, and a similar rotation for night shifts. Busson pointed out that two of the proposed rosters would eliminate night shifts and associated pay benefits, with the least favorable schedule being an 8.5-hour shift from Monday to Friday that would remove weekend and night shift penalties.
A spokesperson for Premier Coal reaffirmed the company’s commitment to fair negotiations, stating that they have engaged in good faith discussions throughout the bargaining process. The company emphasized its focus on workforce safety and maintaining efficient operations.
Concerns about future employment opportunities in Collie are mounting, according to Busson. He acknowledged that while a $150,000 salary may appear substantial, the nature of the work can be perilous, and wages are lower compared to coal workers in other regions. Workers are increasingly anxious about job prospects as mining operations decline.
Despite the state government allocating over $700 million for a transition fund aimed at supporting the community post-coal, Busson remarked that new industries have yet to materialize in Collie. He noted that many locals face difficult decisions about relocating their families, a situation they wish to avoid.
A state government representative stated that various industries in the Collie Basin are receiving support and highlighted the creation of 500 jobs during the construction of Synergy’s large battery project. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating a just transition for Collie, with substantial funds earmarked to assist the community and workers.
This includes $3.2 million allocated to support Premier Coal’s workforce, including contractors affected by the company’s recent shutdown. Additionally, the newly released Plan for the Collie Basin outlines strategies for repurposing former coal mining and power generation sites to foster future industries, reinforcing the government’s ongoing investment in securing local jobs and economic growth beyond 2030.
