BY OLIVIA HADWEN
The Australian Council of Trade Unions are increasing the pressure on Peabody Energy to end its lockout on workers at the United Wambo Washery in the Hunter Valley.
19 remain without pay after the company imposed a two week lockout after negotiations broke down over a new enterprise agreement.
In a statement, Peabody said it's undertaken 15 formal bargaining meetings with the mining union and believes its 13 per cent wage increase offer over four years is fair and competitive, making it's workforce the highest paid in the region.
Peabody's offered a 2.5 per cent annual wage increase and cuts to bonus agreements, which workers have been disputing since early May.
However, miners at Wambo Washery argue the offer falls marginally behind industry standards.
After meeting with affected workers on June 22, Australian Council of Trade Unions president Michelle O'Neil is calling on Peabody to return to the negotiating table.
"Locking workers out of their jobs and cutting off their income is an unfair and unreasonable escalation that will just prolong the dispute," she said.
"Peabody Energy is placing unnecessary financial strain on its workers, which will ripple through families across the Hunter Valley."
She has consequently also called for changes to Australia's industrial relations laws.
Peabody Energy is currently standing firm with both their enterprise agreement offer and lockout action.
"We remain committed to constructive engagement and will continue our negotiations during the industrial action and lockout period with the bargaining representatives," said a Peabody spokesperson.
