The push by unions to gain coverage at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo mine has gone up a notch after the Australian Workers Union lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission.
The push by unions to gain coverage at Rio Tinto’s Paraburdoo mine has gone up a notch after the Australian Workers Union lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission.
The application was for a ‘majority support determination’ that will allow the union to commence bargaining at the Paraburdoo operation on behalf of workers.
The application was on behalf of the Western Mineworkers Alliance, which was formed by the AWU and the Mining and Energy Union.
It comes two weeks after the WMWU said “well over 400 workers” at Paraburdoo had signed its petition in support of having a collective agreement.
Since then, Rio and the alliance have been at odds as to whether that constitutes a majority of workers at Paraburdoo.
Rio also believes it is not clear what types of roles the alliance wants to bargain for.
The union claimed today its application was “to assist Rio”, which has overseen non-union workplaces for nearly three decades.
“Two weeks ago, we wrote to Rio outlining that we wanted an agreement to cover all employees in mining production, drill and blast, mobile equipment maintenance, fixed plant, utilities, emergency services, capability and development, the laboratory and stores,” the alliance said today.
“It was surprising to the union and Para workers that Rio management are not aware of what roles they employ people in those areas!
“Today, to assist Rio, WMWA have made an application to the FWC, which includes the details of the roles employed in the above areas at Paraburdoo.
“We trust this will assist the Rio management team.”
The union said it expected Rio would continue to try and delay the process at every step.
“But our WMWA members at Para are up for the fight to finally have a real say in their pay and conditions,” it stated.
A Rio Tinto spokesperson said today they were aware the AWU had filed an application to the Fair Work Commission
“We will engage with the Fair Work Commission process and continue to talk directly with our people,” they said.
The alliance’s campaign is aiming for a major shift in the Pilbara, which was largely de-unionised in the 1980s.
The Electrical Trades Union is also pushing into the Pilbara, having secured majority petitions of maintenance and rail technicians at Rio Tinto and BHP.
The union push follows workplace relations reforms by the Albanese government that have given unions more power.
Rio has previously argued the current approach works best for all parties.
“Our experience is that our existing approach helps drive productivity and wages growth,” a spokesperson said.
“This model has delivered for our people, our business and the Australian economy, through the creation of jobs, strong and sustained wage growth, and the payment of royalties.”
