Union-related mineworkers have rejected the latest proposed enterprise agreement with BMA.

BMA, a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi Development, operates seven Bowen Basin mines including Goonyella Riverside, Broadmeadow, Daunia, Peak Downs, Saraji, Blackwater and Caval Ridge.

The agreement proposal attracted a resounding 96 percent ‘no-vote’ this week from 1494 EA employees, the majority of which are CFMEU Mining and Energy Union members.

Bid for job security

Job security was at the heart of the issue said CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland District Vice President Jeff Scales.

The issue had been headlined in the interim with an overturned Federal Court ruling that a casually employed mine worker was actually working on a permanent basis and entitled to back-leave entitlements.

The High Court ruled the employment was on an ‘assignment by assignment’ basis.

The real losers in the casualisation of workforces were not only the workers but also the communities providing services to the mines said Mr Scales.

Job Security was also a major issue for these employees Mr Scales said.

“With the introduction of labor hire and automation during the term of the 2018 Agreement, Our members want some certainty going forward, that their jobs are going to be preserved into the future,” he said.

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“And that if automation and labor hire continue to grow, that our members have protections.

“A memorandum of understanding committing to 105 permanent roles as part of the 2018 agreement negotiations was not included in the proposed agreement,” Mr Scales said.

“With that being removed from the memorandum of understanding there is no guarantee of more permanent roles under the agreement, at the mines over the coming years.

“All that we are seeking is to close loopholes that companies use to reduce the permanent workforces at these mines. So that permanent employment numbers can be maintained and return to reasonable levels during the term of the agreement.

“The vote sends a clear message to BMA that their employees want to see improved job security protections and permanent role replenishment going forward.”

The company would now need to return to the bargaining table, Mr Scales said.

The Minerals Council of Australia was contacted for comment. There was no reply at the time of publication.