Hundreds of jobs are set to go at AGL’s Bayswater Power Station in the Upper Hunter as part of a major company restructure announced this week.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) says AGL informed workers at both its Bayswater and Loy Yang A power stations that around 300 positions will be cut across management and operational roles before Christmas.
The cuts will take effect from the first week of December, with expressions of interest for voluntary redundancies to be sought before any forced layoffs.
MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said the timing was devastating for employees already facing uncertainty about the station’s long-term future.
“AGL’s restructure is a kick in the guts for power station workers in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.
“Coal-fired power station workers are already under stress with moving closure timelines — this announcement is a further blow.”
The union has also warned that energy companies could be fast-tracking job cuts to avoid future retraining and redeployment obligations once the Federal Government’s Net Zero Economy Authority transition framework comes into effect.
The Bayswater Power Station, near Muswellbrook, is due to close by 2033, but the union says it will explore all avenues to ensure Hunter Valley workers get the support they deserve in the lead-up to that transition.
