11:44 am, Friday 25 May, 2012

More than 3000 coalminers begin a week-long strike on Thursday in Queensland’s Bowen Basin against alleged poor working conditions.

The strike is a result of a dispute between Queensland union members and the BHP-Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA).  CFMEU spokesperson Stephen Smyth told AAP that the latest strike will involve more than 3500 workers and will halt mines operations.

Mr Smyth says that they are not striking over wages but working conditions. According to him, BMA has failed to improve its latest offer and was rejected by 80 percent of workers. Negotiations have dragged on for 18 months, and workers have participated in work stoppages since July 2011. The workers are demanding for job security, safety, housing, and provisions around workers’ rosters.

Mr Smyth said that the union is still open to negotiations throughout the course of strike.

BMA, through its spokeswoman said that they are focused on finalising an agreement soon.

“Further industrial action will be harmful for all and is unnecessary,” she said.

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