Big miners accuse union of ‘bully tactics’ as | Australian Markets

WA’s large miners are crying foul over union claims they’ve breached Labor’s “same job, same pay” legal guidelines earlier than a ruling has been made within the State.

The Minerals Council of Australia has lodged a formal grievance with the Fair Work Ombudsman, accusing the Electrical Trades Union of making “clearly false”, and doubtlessly illegal, representations to employees as it tries to gain a foothold within the Pilbara.

Unions gained a take a look at case in opposition to BHP within the Fair Work Commission two weeks in the past to implement “same job, same pay” legal guidelines on a coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, including $66 million to the mining giant’s wages invoice.

But although no purposes have been profitable in WA, the ETU was threatening legal motion in opposition to sub-contractors within the State as far back as April.

In one e-mail despatched to a number of labour rent firms obtained by The West Australian, north-west organiser Kevin O’Donnell warned a company it was “in breach” of the new laws.

The controversial legal guidelines — which obtained fierce opposition from the sources sector — intention to make sure that labour rent employees obtain the identical pay and circumstances as straight employed workers if the Fair Work Commission guidelines that they’re performing equal work.

“The ETU will vigorously defend members pay and conditions and use the full force of our legal team to do so if need be,” the ETU e-mail stated.

The Minerals Council of Australia has now made a formal grievance, arguing these emails breach Section 345 of the Fair Work Act that prohibits “knowingly or recklessly” making a “false or misleading” illustration about office rights.

Minerals Council chief govt Tania Constable stated the union was making an attempt to stress firms into submission.

“This is further evidence of some unions misusing the vast new powers within the legislation to bully their way into the Pilbara,” she stated.

“This has nothing to do with workers or wages, it is solely about expanding union power.

“The actions of the ETA in blatantly misrepresenting the law shows the lengths that certain unions will go to in order to abuse such powers.”

ETU state secretary Adam Woodage was but to obtain a copy of the grievance on Sunday however stated the union gained’t back down.

“It’s extremely disappointing that the MCA has made no effort to contact the ETU or myself directly,” he stated.

“It speaks volumes of their attitude towards workers and their unions that represent them.

“The MCA needs to learn we aren’t going away and will continue to advocate and defend our members interests.”