The CFMEU is deeply disappointed BHP has refused to back down on major issues impacting the family lives of its Bowen Basin coalmine workforce during recent negotiations.

The union remains committed to reaching agreement with the mining giant to help end a 14-month dispute but was this week troubled by the company’s refusal to budge on housing and accommodation arrangements, site schedules, safety official coverage and workers’ rights of representation.

The Single Bargaining Unit (SBU) representing workers across its seven central Queensland mines yesterday rounded off six days of talks with BHP management in Brisbane to settle a new enterprise agreement.

Queensland District President Stephen Smyth said the union would next week take the latest draft proposal to its members to seek direction.

“We believe we have made real progress during these talks but there are still some very important outstanding matters for our members to consider,” Mr Smyth said.

“The workers will still be seeking satisfactory outcomes on housing and accommodation arrangements, site schedules and their rights of representation and for natural justice within the workplace,” he said.

“The union is also frustrated by the companyʼs continued demand to remove critical safety officials from the coverage of the agreement,” he said.

“The company taking such a hard line on what will ultimately affect how much time our members will get to spend with their loved ones will no doubt leave a bad taste in the mouth for those helping BHP to its record profits.”

Mr Smyth joined the SBU in criticising BHP for “stealth bargaining” and for rejecting union requests to allow an agreed independent party to assist negotiations.

“Regardless of how much progress we’ve made, there is still the likelihood that BHP will go ahead with another vote of the workforce over the coming weeks to meet their bargaining timeframe. This could also prompt the lifting of an industrial action ceasefire brokered late last year”.

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