Coal miners at Rix’s Creek in the Hunter Valley have entered their second week of strike action, fighting for a fair Enterprise Agreement that delivers accident pay reflecting real wages.
Members of the Mining and Energy Union voted for industrial action after ten months of negotiations with the Bloomfield Group stalled.
Currently, when a worker is injured, the Rix’s Creek lodge of union members contributes from their own wages to top up accident pay so injured workers don’t lose out — a system they say is outdated and unfair.
Union President Robin Williams said the dispute is about fairness and security for injured workers and their families.
“Our members shouldn’t have to subsidise accident pay out of their own wages,” he said.
“Right now, we’re literally passing the hat around to top up accident pay. That’s not right. It’s 2025, not 1925.”
The union says instead of resolving the issue, the company has proposed a worse deal than before and started advertising for replacement labour.
“Trying to bring in strikebreakers while putting a worse deal to a vote shows how little respect this company has for its own employees,” Mr Williams said.
Workers say they remain united in their demand for a fair deal that properly recognises their contribution and protects injured workers.
