THE Australian Workers Union has called on Mount Isa Mines – operated by Swiss miner Glencore – to put a commitment to the future of Mount Isa’s local workforce on the table as part of negotiations for a new agreement.
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AWU Queensland branch secretary Ben Swan said this had been an issue for members for a number of years and it needed to be addressed.
“The economic and employment benefits should first be enjoyed by established local communities where resources are located nearby,” Mr Swan said.
“There should be no barriers for local people, who are qualified from obtaining employment in newly established mines.
“Mining operators, whether new or well established, should place a particular emphasis on supporting local youth and indigenous workers through apprenticeship and traineeship programs.
“We understand that in some instances natural resources are located in geographical areas where it is only feasible to use FIFO workers and this isn’t the case in Mount Isa itself.
“When mining licences are issued, governments and employers alike need to be mindful of the effects on personal health, family life and local community that FIFO arrangements bring with them.
“Mount Isa is celebrating its 90th birthday and if people want to see Mount Isa thrive for another 90 years we need to make sure that this town and its workers have a secure future.’’
The AWU has called on Glencore management to commit to the future of a local Mount Isa workforce as part of the negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.
Management has so far refused.
