The mining union says legal action will be the next step in its fight to close the wage gap between permanent and contract workers at South32’s Appin mine.
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At least 300 people – contractors and their families – hit the street in North Wollongong on Thursday to keep pressure on the miner and contract companies.
The rally, the second in a week, made its way from Stuart Park to the lawn outside South32’s office at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus.
“Workers united will never be defeated” and “fair pay for us” were among the chants that rang out from the crowd.
Among the protesters was Jason Gava, from Woonona.
By Mr Gava’s side was his 10-year-old daughter, Zoe, holding a sign that read: “These cuts won’t heal”.
“You don’t go into a coal mine because it’s a pleasant environment, you go there to make a living for your family,” the 44-year-old said.
Mr Gava said contractors were “feeling very stressed” and the uncertainty in the workplace was of concern.
“We’re working alongside permanent South32 employees and we’re getting 30 to 40 per cent less pay than them,” he said. The difference is about $400 a week before tax.
Recent tough times in the mining industry, such as low coal prices, weren’t lost on fellow Appin contractor David Reynolds. However, Mr Reynolds said despite the fact “everything’s looking up”, South32 was “still trying to drive us down”.
“We’ve all got families to look after and our wages just keep going through the ground,” the 37-year-old, from Haywards Bay, said.
Mr Reynolds was supported at the rally by his family, including his father-in-law, Foizu Meah, and 11-month-old daughter, Akaliah.
Mr Meah, from Port Macquarie, said the wage uncertainty couldn’t have come at a worse time. “There’s a lot of children with families and I’m sure it’s not going to be a good family Christmas get together this year,” he said.
The public demonstrations have been held amid concerns a recent two-year agreement between South32 and labour hire company Mastermyne would see contractors worse off. The CFMEU has now written to Mastermyne and Delta, another labour hire company, outlining its legal position.
“We have put some legal demands on the companies and it’s our position that if the companies don’t answer, or answer unfavourably, we will move forward with legal action,” district vice-president Bob Timbs said.
In a statement, South32 said it engages contract labour at the Appin Colliery “in order to flexibly manage operational requirements”.
“Commodities markets are cyclical and volatile. South32 is focussed on building a long-term sustainable business that endures market upswings and downswings.