July 30, 2025
Over 100 jobs at the Dartbrook underground coal mine have been slashed, as workers fight to access their accrued entitlements, the Mining and Energy Union has said.
MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy President Robin Williams said the mine’s receivers, FTI Consulting, are cutting the majority of the directly employed workforce without honouring workers’ entitlements, and while retaining labour hire contractors.
“We were suddenly told last week that over 100 jobs – nearly two-thirds of the workforce – would be slashed. These include over two-thirds of Dartbrook’s EA workers, who have been sacked while FTI still retains labour hire contractors at the site.”
Mr Williams said the decision was made without proper consultation with workers, in breach of the site’s Enterprise Agreement.
“Over the weekend, operations were wound down while workers were left in the dark, waiting to hear if they would be required,” he said.
“Many of them have now been unceremoniously notified by email that they no longer have a job.
“This situation has been handled disgracefully. Workers not only facing unemployment, but they’ve also been told their redundancy entitlements will not be honoured.”
“This kind of dodgy corporate behaviour is unacceptable. It’s hurting families and the local community.
“We are committed to using all legal power at our disposal to ensure that Dartbrook workers’ entitlements are honoured. The dispute is currently before the Fair Work Commission.”