Pilbara strike escalates

Date: 22 October 2008

Train drivers in the Pilbara are ramping up industrial action today following Rio Tinto's continued refusal to meet with its workers.

Workers passed a new resolution at a meeting in Karratha on Monday to continue their campaign until the company come to the table.

The workers will hold back-to-back 12-hour strikes starting midday today, Wednesday 22 October, in an attempt to bring the company to the negotiating table.

CFMEU Mining Union National President, Tony Maher, said the mining company's actions are a blatant attempt to cling to WorkChoices before the government's fairer industrial relations laws come into place next year.

"This dispute is about rights at work. The rail workers have got together to discuss concerns about their workplace and decided to ask the Union to bargain on their behalf for a collective agreement - a basic right of all Australians," Mr Maher said.

"However Rio Tinto have refused to meet let alone bargain and under the current laws that leaves the workers with two options - put up with the problems or go on strike.

"Industrial action isn't something the workers take lightly, they'd much rather be sitting at the negotiating table, however Rio Tinto haven't left them with any other option.

"Rio Tinto's response is extraordinarily hypocritical. For two decades they've said that the secret to the company's success is its direct relationship with employees, that employees are valued and listened to. Well, these employees have a view and have expressed it, but the company isn't listening.

CFMEU mining division WA secretary Gary Wood said the number of drivers participating in any further industrial action will only increase as the AWAs they were forced to sign expire.

"Those employed in the last 16 years haven't had a choice, signing an AWA was a condition of employment. Now, as the contracts expire, they're voicing their disapproval," said Mr Wood.

"The solution is in Rio Tinto's hands. They just need to sit down and talk with their workforce and their representatives."

More comment

Tony Maher, 0418 286 735

Alana Mew (EMC), 0423 377 567

For further information

Contact:	Tony Maher, National President
Union:	CFMEU Mining and Energy
Contact Mobile:	0418 286 735
WWW:	http://www.cfmeu.com.au/

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