Workers at Appin mine are celebrating an early Christmas present after the Fair Work Commission handed down the first Same Job Same Pay order in the Illawarra coal industry.
The successful Same Job Same Pay or ‘regulated labour hire arrangement’ order which comes into effect today covers around 250 labour hire PIMS workers, with pay rises estimated at over $4 million annually.
In general, PIMS workers are paid around $15,000 to $20,000 less than employees at Appin mine performing the same work under the site Enterprise Agreement. The order sets a ‘protected rate of pay’ in line with EA rates.
MEU South Western District President Bob Timbs said the order at Appin mine was a great first step towards winding back the toxic labour hire model widespread in the NSW southern coalfields.
“The use of contractors to undercut wages and conditions has been out of control in our industry for far too long.
“Today’s order is great news for PIMS workers at Appin, but it also gives labour hire contractors across the District confidence that the new laws are working as intended and will lift their pay rates in line with site Agreements.”
About half of all production workers in NSW Southern District coal mines are employed on labour hire contract arrangements, rather than direct through mine operators.
MEU member and Production Operator Brian Hinchy is one of the workers who will receive a big increase in his pay packet.
Brian has been labour hire for over nine years, working for various contractors. He is currently employed by PIMS.
Brian said that the pay rise is very welcome particularly in a cost-of-living crisis.
“The pay rise will be a massive boost going into the Christmas period.
“I’m going to use the wage increase to help pay my bills.
“It’s satisfying that PIMS and Illawarra Coal have accepted that we are completing the same work as directly employed workers, and that we’re being recognised for the work that we do.”
PIMS and Illawarra Coal confirmed earlier this month that they would not oppose the MEU’s application for Same Job Same Pay.
Boggabri Coal and One Key also announced that they would not contest the MEU application for Same Job Same Pay at Boggabri mine in the Gunnedah Basin. Last month, a Same Job Same Pay order was handed down at the site.
The MEU has Same Job Same Pay applications at a further 10 coal mines in NSW, which are still before the Fair Work Commission.
Contact details:
Monique Blasiak (0430 515 162)
