scone.com.auProductive Negotiations
THE Union has described negotiations today with the management of Mt Arthur as reasonably productive.
Peter Jordan, district president of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said they have asked the Company to go away and consider a number of options to mitigate job losses.
“We were reasonably happy with the first day of consultation, we’ve posed a number of questions that all goes towards mitigating the impact on job losses and they’ve generally undertaken to go away and look at all of those and respond to us next Wednesday,” said Mr Jordan.
“That includes both Mount Arthur employees and contractors,” he said.
“The other thing we’ve asked them to do is seriously consider voluntary redundancies and that we absolutely expect that they do that.
“They have said they would look at that as well before next Wednesday, when we next meet,” Peter Jordan said.
The Union have urged members to bear with them while they go through negotiations with the Company.
“I know it is a frustrating and difficult period of time for everyone, but the union is in there trying to save jobs and look after the interests of the mine workers at Mount Arthur,” said Mr Jordan.
“Give us some time and we will keep you updated with how those discussions are going,” he said.
“The delegates will start doing the rounds with members on Saturday and Sunday and through the following week and after next Wednesday we will know more” Peter Jordan said.
BHP Billiton confirmed the 290 positions being discussed included production, maintenance, full-time employees and contractors.
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