ABOUT 300 train drivers at the Hunter Valley’s second-biggest coal haulier, Aurizon, voted to strike for 28 hours from midnight on Friday in pursuit of a new enterprise agreement.
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Rail, Tram and Bus Union organiser Steve Wright said Aurizon’s main contracts were with Mount Arthur and Wilpinjong mines.
The strike, plus an indefinite ban on working before or after agreed start and finish times, would have a sizeable impact on coal movement.
Mr Wright said the main issues were the size of a pay increase and concerns that the company wanted to install “in-cabin” cameras and microphones to monitor drivers.
The union wanted annual pay rises of 3 per cent on the three-year agreement but Aurizon was offering only 2.5 per cent.
The union wanted a pledge not to introduce the cameras written into the enterprise agreement but the company wanted it as a condition outside of the agreement. Aurizon said the strike was “disappointing”.
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Ian Kirkwood
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
