The Australian Workers Union has refused to rule out strike action after Glencore workers voted down the the proposed Enterprise Bargaining Agreement last week.
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AWU Queensland Branch Secretary Steve Baker said his members at Mount Isa Mines and the Ernest Henry Mine have sent Glencore a clear message that they deserve a better deal from a company making $15.8 billion a year.
"AWU members perform a tough, hard job to keep these mines running - the very least they deserve is a fair pay rise," Mr Baker said.
"Glencore trying to push out an agreement that wouldn't even guarantee workers a pay increase was nothing short of insulting, with the vote result confirming just how little workers thought of it.
"Glencore makes $15.8 billion - they can afford to pay their workers a pay rise. Until Glencore gets serious about treating their workers with the respect they deserve, our members will continue to make it clear that this just isn't good enough."
The AWU said Glencore workers would have missed out on a guaranteed pay rise for the life of the agreement, with the proposed agreement also failing to take action on other key issues facing the workforce.
Mr Baker said the AWU remained ready to negotiate workplace agreements that locked in a fair pay rise and working conditions for AWU members.
"We're not in the business of making companies unproductive or unprofitable - we just want our members to get paid what they deserve," he said.
"We'll be holding discussions with Glencore as soon as possible and making it clear that AWU members won't put up with another dodgy offer."
Chief Operating Officer, Glencore Copper Assets Australia Matt O'Neill said the ballot for the Mount Isa Mines Enterprise Agreement has now been completed.
"The required number of votes to approve the agreement was not achieved," Mr O'Neill said.
"The Company will again engage with the bargaining representatives and union to establish the next steps.
"The terms and conditions of the current 2015 Mount Isa Mines Enterprise Agreement will remain in effect while the discussions continue."
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Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
