Coal news and updates

Work has stopped at Griffin Coal Mine, Western Australia’s largest coal supplier, over a rift between the mine’s parent company and its workforce contractor, according to the union.

 

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) claims contractor Carna Civil and Mining has suspended all production work at the coal mine, over accusations Lanco Infratech has not paid the contractor for the month of May.

 

Payment for May was due on July 1.

 

West Australian CFMEU district secretary Gary Wood says works ceased at approximately 3pm on July 17.

 

Mr Wood says workers have been told to cease all production.

 

He says Carna has given workers the option "sit in the crib" and get paid, or take annual leave.

 

A small number of skeleton staff remain working on all non-production tasks at the mine.

 

Mr Wood says he hopes the dispute to be resolved in the next 24 hours.

 

"It's a shame that the workforce are caught up in something that is beyond their control."

 

Griffin Coal is Western Australia's largest coal supplier.

 

Carna Civil and Mining and Lanco Infratech have been contacted for comment.

 

 

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/