AWU members instruct union to explore protected industrial action after Glencore breaks faith after $600m taxpayer bailout

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has condemned Glencore for returning to the bargaining table with an offer described by workers as insulting, unsustainable, and a betrayal of the commitment they showed during months of uncertainty at the North Queensland Copper Refinery.

As a consequence members have instructed the AWU to begin the process of taking protected industrial action.

The company secured a $600 million taxpayer-funded support package in October to keep operations afloat for the next three years. AWU members stood shoulder to shoulder with Glencore during that campaign, advocating publicly for government intervention to protect jobs and stabilise the region’s economy.

Queensland Northern District Secretary, Jim Wilson, said workers expected Glencore to reciprocate with a fair and respectful enterprise agreement. Instead, the company has presented an offer that leaves employees even further behind.

“Our members backed this company when it mattered. They fought to save this refinery, they fought to save local jobs, and they fought to secure the taxpayer support Glencore said it desperately needed. But now, when workers need the company to step up, Glencore has slammed the door in their face,” Mr Wilson said.

Across multiple bargaining meetings held since the bailout announcement, Glencore has refused to commit to real wage growth, failed to address chronic recruitment and retention issues, and continues to offer wage outcomes that fall dramatically short of rising living costs.

“Glencore is offering increases of just 6.9 to 10.4 per cent over four years, tied to individual performance and entirely at management’s discretion. Meanwhile CPI is running at 3.8 per cent annually. Since the last agreement, our members have already fallen 13 per cent behind. This isn’t an offer, it’s a cut dressed up as generosity,” Mr Wilson said.

The AWU said the company’s refusal to pay competitive wages has fuelled a workforce crisis that Glencore is now trying to patch over by hiring contractors at exorbitant cost.

“You can’t claim to be a responsible steward of taxpayer money while paying contractors up to four times more than a direct employee doing the same work. It’s an absurd use of public funds, and it shows a complete disconnect between Glencore’s public statements and its behaviour at the bargaining table,” Mr Wilson said.

The union accused Glencore of treating the taxpayer rescue package as a blank cheque while maintaining an ideological opposition to fair wages and secure jobs.

“This is exactly the kind of corporate behaviour Australians are sick of. Workers saved this refinery. Taxpayers poured in $600 million. Yet Glencore still refuses to commit to even a modest guaranteed annual increase. It’s disgraceful,” Mr Wilson said.

Workers vote to begin protected industrial action

Following Glencore’s latest refusal to shift, AWU members have formally endorsed the union to begin the process of taking protected industrial action. The move reflects the depth of anger and frustration across the refinery workforce.

“Workers feel betrayed. They gave everything to keep this operation alive, and now they’re being told their loyalty doesn’t matter. Our members have overwhelmingly endorsed the commencement of protected industrial action because they refuse to be pushed further backwards. They are united, and they are prepared to act,” Mr Wilson said.

The AWU is calling on Glencore to immediately return to the bargaining table with a genuine offer that reflects the skills of the workforce, the cost-of-living reality facing families, and the $600 million obligation the company now owes to taxpayers and the local community.

Contact: Jim Wilson – 0419 765 952