Nearly 20 employees from BlueScope's coke ovens gathered last Thursday to vent their anger over claims employees had been stood down by management Veolia Environmental Services without consultation, despite many years of service.

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union organiser Dave Kelly said the men were sick of Veolia's tactics.

"It's an operational matter - we've seen this casualisation, but management didn't consult with the staff and they really should have before they started putting people off," he said.

"Some of these people have worked there for many years."

Mr Kelly said many of the workers had operated on a daily basis, on the understanding they were permanently employed and would be offered regular work. But, the union claims, since Veolia took over the management nearly 18 months ago, staff were being given a few days' work, only to be stood down the next day when work was no longer available.

"Veolia has stood down workers with years and years of experience," Mr Kelly said.

"These people have gone from a secure position to a really insecure one.

"They'll go in for two or three days, only to be put off when there's no work."

The workers resolved yesterday to await the result of a Fair Work Commission hearing before discussing their next move.

Veolia did not reply to the Mercury's request for comment.