November 20, 2019
BHP has done everything possible to cut permanent EA jobs and replace them with casual labour hire and now Operations Services, on lower pay and conditions. But union pressure has delivered new EA jobs at BHP Queensland mines, starting with Saraji.
The CFMEU is fighting for permanent jobs under the BMA Enterprise Agreement. We made sure it was a condition of the current BMA EA that new workers are employed under it and we have pushed BHP to honour that commitment.
BHP has announced it is now creating 55 new EA roles at Saraji, in draglines, blast, CHPP and mine services. Fifty more will follow at Goonyella, Peak Downs and Blackwater.
The new jobs will first be open to expressions of interest from EA employees, before being opened to labour hire and others to apply.
Queensland President Stephen Smyth said BHP had to be pushed all the way to create the new EA jobs.
“Ultimately, we are fighting for all jobs to be employed under union-negotiated site EAs. The workforce shouldn’t be divided up and treated differently. BHP has fiercely resisted employing new starters under current EAs so this is a good start. Well done to the lodges involved.”