Why pay rise for 2200 workers could be huge deal for mining sector
Share this @internewscast.com
Unions are celebrating a landmark ruling for workers in three Queensland mines, which sets a legal precedent for same job, same pay laws. 

But industry bodies as far away as Western Australia are warning Monday’s Fair Work Commission decision will put jobs at risk. 

The ruling relates to the Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, and Saraji mines owned by BHP in Central Queensland.

Unions are celebrating a landmark ruling for workers in three Queensland mines, which sets a legal precedent for same job, same pay laws. (9News)

It found thousands of workers were underpaid under the same job, same pay rules. 

The Mining and Energy Union, which brought the FWC action, said the decision would deliver about $30,000 more per year to more than 2200 labour-hire workers.

“These workers have been performing the same duties, under the same conditions, as directly employed workers but on significantly lower pay,” the union said.

“This decision is the biggest win yet under same job, same pay laws. Importantly, it includes BHP Operations Services, confirming that the in-house labour hire model has been used to undercut permanent wages.”

It would cost the mining giant an extra $66 million a year. 

“This is a drop in BHP’s ocean, but it means the world to workers,” Unions WA secretary Rikki Hendon said.

But industry bodies as far away as Western Australia are warning Monday’s Fair Work Commission decision will put jobs at risk. (9News)

BHP previously claimed the same job, same pay rules would cost an extra $1.3 billion annually if applied to every site.

A similar case was launched last week by WA’s Electrical Trades Union, claiming contract workers at Chevron’s Barrow Island facility are being short paid. 

The WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry fears without intervention these laws could damage Western Australia’s global reputation. 

“It will impact WA more than any other state in the country,” acting co-CEO Aaron Morey said.

Federal Resources Minister Madeline King celebrated the decision.

“The policy of this government is the law of the land and the Fair Work Commission has backed it in,” she said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Children Waiting for Medical Care Near Gaza Clinic, Reports Aid Organization

This story contains graphic content that may be distressing for some readers.…
t's an Amazon nightmare. Imagine hundreds of oversized packages appear on your doorstep -- and you have no clue why. You never ordered them.

“Hundreds of Misdelivered Packages Turn Woman’s Life into Chaos”

It’s an Amazon nightmare. Imagine hundreds of oversized packages appearing on your…

“Warning Signs Emerge with Increasing Use of Medical Cannabis in Australia”

On average, one script every five minutes — that’s the rate at…
Multiple cars hit during high-speed police chase across Melbourne freeways

Several Vehicles Struck in High-Speed Police Pursuit on Melbourne Highways

Authorities have apprehended a suspect accused of seizing a van and initiating…
Bluey coin

Bluey Thieves Await Judgment After Stealing 63,000 Coins

Two men are set to spend several months in jail awaiting their…

Exploring Australia’s Proposed Plan Against Antisemitism

Jillian Segal, Australia’s envoy on antisemitism, has put forth a strategy to…
A Qantas A380 aircraft passes Gate 20 at The Beach, Mascot on the perimiter of Sydney Airport. Qantas.

Qantas Cyberattack Impact More Severe Than Initially Publicized to Customers

Exclusive: Some Qantas customers have learned that more of their personal information…
Penny Wong warns of 'worrying' Chinese military buildup

Penny Wong Raises Concerns Over China’s Increasing Military Presence

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed concerns over China’s significant military expansion,…
Police suspect AFL star's car was used in drive-by shooting

Authorities Believe AFL Player’s Car Involved in Drive-By Shooting

Exclusive: 9News can report that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, the Bulldogs star who is…

Ireland’s Ben Healy Clinches Solo Victory in Tour de France Stage Six

Ireland’s Ben Healy won stage six of the Tour de France in…
Geologist James Hagadorn closes boxes of core rock samples at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

Discovery Made by US Dinosaur Museum Beneath Its Parking Lot

A US museum famous for its dinosaur exhibits has discovered a fossil…
President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump Considers Doubling Tariffs on Australia

US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to impose a 35…