CFMEU blames corporate greed for redundancies

Up to 80 Queensland miners will be made redundant by Anglo American in a move the CFMEU claims is a hostile ambush following over two months of protected industrial action by the German Creek mine workers.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Division Qld District Vice-President Glenn Power said this is yet another blow for workers who have tried to bargain in good faith with the company for the last three years since the expiration of their former agreement.

“This premeditated and coordinated attack by Anglo is nothing but a tool of intimidation aimed at picking off workers who are vocal about protecting their rights and conditions,” said Power.

“It is despicable that under our current industrial system, a company can drag a bargaining process along for almost three years, have no intention to bargain in good faith and simply get rid of workers who are only trying to do what’s right for them and their families.

“Adding further insult to injury, this announcement comes after reports that the surge in coal prices will bring an additional $4 billion to Queensland’s economy this year alone.

“Miners in German Creek have contributed years of loyal and faithful service to Anglo, as well as added millions of dollars to the company’s bottom line.

“This mining giant has been on a road of cutting corners, cutting wages and hurting our workers’ job security since the agreement expired.

“Their prolonged lack of cooperation, their continual sabotage of the bargaining system and now this vicious attack on our workers reek of corporate greed and little regard for how their behaviour will have adverse effects on regional communities.

“We call on Anglo American to immediately retract their position and return to the bargaining table in good faith to reach positive outcomes for the community,” said Power.

The German Creek protected industrial action is ongoing and the union will continue to advocate on behalf of its members.