An emerging mineral producer significantly improved worker remuneration.
Whitehaven Coal recently offered its employees a $20,000 pay rise at the Maules Creek coal mine in Boggabri, 127km northwest of Tamworth.
The newly accepted enterprise agreement will increase base salaries from $130,000 to $150,000 plus a $30,000 bonus with 60 per cent of the incentive guaranteed.
Personal leave will also be paid as if worked instead of the base classification for shift length.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) welcomed the deal.
“Why should coal miners at Maules Creek be paid less than coal miners in the Hunter Valley? A look at Whitehaven’s profits shows they are earning plenty of money for the business,” MEU northern district vice president Jeremy McWilliams said in a public statement.
These remarks came after the Fair Work Act was amended to better reflect the number of casual hours worked when calculating coal long service leave scheme entitlements.
“We welcome the passage of these laws through parliament. The changes to coal long service leave will positively impact thousands of workers and reflect the nature of today’s industry,” MEU said.
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