Glencore EBA – A Kick in the Teeth for Mount Isa Workers

The AWU says workers at Mount Isa Mines face being ripped off by Glencore under their dodgy new workplace Agreement which fails to lock in one single pay rise.

Under Glencore’s proposed EBA which is being put to vote, Mount Isa Mine workers would miss out on a guaranteed pay rise for the life of the agreement, with the agreement also failing to take action on other key issues facing the workforce.

AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Steve Baker said that Glencore was letting down its workforce with its disgraceful agreement.

“The proposed Agreement put out by Glencore is a real kick in the teeth for local workers.

“If the Agreement’s voted up, it’ll mean four long years without a single guaranteed pay rise for hardworking AWU members.

“The idea that Glencore can make a $15 billion profit but can’t afford to pay its workforce a pay rise is just ludicrous.

“AWU members at Mount Isa Mines do tough, hard jobs which create huge profits for Glencore.

“The very least they deserve is a fair pay rise that helps them keep up with the cost of living and rewards their hard work.”

Steve Baker said that the AWU remains ready and willing to negotiate a workplace agreement that locked in a fair pay rise and working conditions for AWU members while securing the long-term future of Mount Isa Mines.

“We’re not in the business of making companies unproductive or unprofitable – we just want our members to get paid what they deserve.

“Unfortunately, Glencore have shown time and time again that they just aren’t interested in doing the right thing by their workforce and our members.

“We’re making it clear to all our members: until Glencore come back to the table with a decent offer that locks in a pay rise, they should be giving this EBA the treatment it deserves by voting it down.”