Workers at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group down tools

HIGHLY skilled waterfront and electrical workers at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG), Kooragang Island, have taken protected industrial action (PIA) for the first time in the company’s history.

Unions say this is due to bosses’ failure to provide “a decent agreement”. The company, in contrast, says it has “a reasonable offer”.

According to unions, the PIA came after more than 16 years working to an enterprise agreement that NCIG workers say has left them “trapped under the dead legacy of the WorkChoices era”.

“NCIG workers throughout the operations side of the business are standing together to secure a fair agreement,” a union statement read.

“These workers operate and maintain the massive machinery which loads bulk cargo ships with export grade coal from throughout the Hunter region and beyond.”

Union members are seeking improvements including:

• Fairer rostering arrangements;
• Fairer recognition when working Public Holidays;
• A decent wage increase to keep up with the rise in the cost of living; and
• Conditions that reflect the skills, flexibility and productivity expected of a modern multi-skilled workforce.

NCIG said during the past six months, it had been “engaged in good faith enterprise agreement negotiations with employee representatives”.

“During that time, we've worked hard to understand the needs of our people and put forward an offer that provides meaningful wage increases that exceed current inflation figures,” the company said in a statement.

“We value our employees and hence provide remuneration at levels that are highly competitive relative to comparable roles in the sector. We are currently in the access period ahead of an employee vote and remain hopeful of a successful outcome.”

NCIG said in mid-July they received a notification from the MUA and the ETU that stop work action was likely.

“Since then, we have been coordinating an effective operational plan to mitigate impacts to our customers should protected action take place,” the company stated.

“While we respect the right of our MUA and ETU members to take protected action, NCIG remains committed to continuing constructive discussions, while delivering the safe and reliable service our customers rely on.”

In a text to DCN, Mr Williams said the union had number of ongoing work bans in plae and there had been one two-hour stoppage so far with more to come.

He said 44 workers were taking part in this action.

Mr Williams, meanwhile, said NCIG workers “load more, do more, and carry broader responsibilities”.

“They’re generating significant value and returns for the company but the bosses would rather provoke a dispute than settle a fair agreement,” he said.

Mr Williams said with 98% voting against the company proposal, NCIG workers sent “an unmistakable message”.

“NCIG was given the opportunity to heed that message and come to the bargaining table with a genuine willingness for landing a fair deal,” he said.

“Instead, due to their unwillingness to compromise and their provocations, NCIG workers are now taking protected industrial action — for the first time in NCIG's history.”