February 9, 2024
The Mining and Energy Union is concerned that Griffin Coal’s employment practices are leading to some skilled and experienced locals being blocked from working at the mine.
MEU WA Secretary Greg Busson said he was aware of local former long-term Griffin employees who had reapplied to work at the mine via labour hire companies, but blocked by site management for spurious reasons.
“It makes no sense that skilled, experienced locals can’t get a job at Griffin, when there are vacancies being advertised,” said Mr Busson.
“Griffin management isn’t being fair dinkum in their commitment to local employment. They are using the cover of labour hire companies to deny accountability over hiring practices. It’s common knowledge that Griffin management has the final say over whether a worker gets a go on site – whether they are directly employed or contractors.
“When experienced, local coal miners get knocked back for jobs driving trucks, it’s a red flag about what hiring decisions are being based on.
“Taxpayers are providing significant support to keep Griffin afloat, in part because the coal power industry is such an important employer in our region. I urge Griffin management to consider if they are really doing everything possible to support local jobs and make use of local skills and experience.”
Of 257 full-time production employees at Griffin including direct employees and contractors, fewer than half (124) are from the immediate Collie region.