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COMMONCAUSE
®
CFMEU
Mining and Energy
Strong Union. Safer Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au www.ourjobs.org.au VOL 83 NO. 1
REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025
SAVEDAVE.CFMEU.ORG.AU
Black Lung 100%
preventable
Maintain adequate
ventilation and sprays
Be aware of dust
sources in your
workplace
Avoid operating
downwind
of dust sources
if possible
Wear respiratory
PPE correctly
Attend your regular
medical assessments
Get a chest x-ray
when advised
Protecting against
airborne dust exposure
in coal mines
‘Protecting against airborne dust exposure in
coal mines’ is now available to download from
www.coalservices.com.au
General President Tony Maher Reports
Save Dave campaign highlights
injustice of our industrial laws
know they have also received letters
from leading Federal MPs. There is a
petition that members can sign on our
website as well as a host of videos
supporting Dave.
The absurdity and injustice of
Dave’s sacking by a callous and
vindictive mining company not only
damages South 32’s reputation, it puts
its social licence to operate at risk and
that is not good for our mining industry
as a whole.
The public increasingly understands
With Federal Labor Leader Bill Shorten in Canberra on Budget Day, from left to right: Federal Labor MP
Stephen Jones, South West District Secretary Lee Webb, Bill Shorten, Dave McLachlan, South West
that when a worker is unfairly
Vice-President Bob Timbs and Federal Labor MP Sharon Bird. sacked, the repercussions can have
a devastating effect on their family
T
he recent vindictive sacking mates are devastated by South 32’s too. Dave’s wife Joan and his mum
of our Appin Lodge President vindictive and callous attack on Dave. Ruth, along with the rest of his family,
and Central Councillor Dave His sacking is completely against are playing a magnificent role in
McLachlan is a perfect illustration Australia’s community standards and highlighting the wider consequences of
of just how stacked Australia’s values. The CFMEU has launched a this injustice.
industrial laws are in favour of national campaign calling on all fair- Our Union is legally fighting Dave’s
big business and against ordinary unfair dismissal. We are also prosecuting
minded Australians who support a Fair
workers and why they need to be South 32’s Appin managers for their
Go to stand with Dave and demand
changed. failure to meet their legal obligations
South 32 immediately reinstate him.
Dave led a 10-minute novel protest As Common Cause goes to press, to supply the work clothes and laundry
before the start of day shift on 7 the Save Dave campaign is gaining service as per the agreement.
March at South 32’s Appin colliery. Our momentum every day featuring It is South 32 who should
members held a meeting dressed in prominently on TV, radio and front be copping the rap for breach of
helmets, boots, shirts and undies in a pages throughout the Illawarra. agreement and failure to respect its
light hearted gesture to highlight the During the federal Budget week, employees. Dave’s sacking is a clear
company’s year-long refusal to honour Dave and supporters took the cut case of workplace mistreatment.
its legal obligation to supply the workers campaign to our national political We’re urging everyone to get behind
with new work clothes and a laundry leaders in Canberra. Among those who the Save Dave campaign and calling
service. Point made, they donned their met Dave to support his reinstatement on South 32 executives to end this
dirty company work clothes and were on are Labor Leader Bill Shorten, Senator injustice and give Dave his job back.
the job 10-minutes later. Jacqui Lambie as well
In a massive over-reaction, South as many more Federal
32 has singled out Dave for the MPs.
severest punishment and sacked him. The Union movement
Dave has worked at the Appin throughout Australia is
Colliery for 16-years and has an rallying behind the Save
unblemished work record. He has Dave campaign with new
never been disciplined or ever warned. ACTU Secretary Sally
For the past 10-years Dave has McManus appearing in
been the Lodge President at Appin a TV Ad calling on the
and a leader in ensuring the colliery public to Save Dave.
had been one of the most industrially As General
harmonious and productive in the coal President of our Union, I
industry. have written to the CEO
Dave is a 30-year veteran of the coal and Chairman of South
mining industry, a local, hard working 32 calling for Dave’s
family man. His family and his work reinstatement. We Save Dave led Wollongong’s May Day march.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 3
General Secretary Andrew Vickers Reports
Fair Go needed to win community
respect and trust, not mining
companies spin
BHP spends millions in new publicity
campaign to rebrand itself
M
ining companies operating He went on to say…. “around Promise you will not spend tens
in Australia are among the world everyone is talking about of millions of dollars in future to
some of the richest and the lack of trust in corporations. politically intervene and undermine
most profitable in the world. They Companies like ours face huge governments that seek no more than
are also among the most ruthless challenges in the Western world, ensure you pay your fair share of tax
and greedy corporations that trust has been lost in companies from massive profits and royalties.
have gorged themselves at the like ours and if we are going to Treat your workers and their
expense of their workforces and reverse that we have got to get out unions with the respect they deserve
the Australian public. Many are and change the way in which the and stop backing conservative
starting to realise that they are community looks at us and thinks political parties imposing repressive
increasingly on the nose with the about us”, he said. industrial laws that strip workers of
public and that it may be time to do And that’s the problem. BHP, or basic rights and conditions.
something about it. any other greedy mining corporation, These are just a few simple steps
So what to do? Change ways and will not change “the way in which BHP could take on its journey to win
become a better corporate citizen by the community looks at us and thinks the respect and trust it says it wants.
adopting the principles of a Fair Go about us” if it does not change how Throwing millions at rebranding your
for workers and the public? Not on it acts! company with a new logo on a new
your life! Let’s give them some free advice masthead won’t cut it.
Their natural instinct is to try and here about winning the respect and BHP and all other mining
spin their way out of it. Bring in the trust of its workers and the community. companies should be judged by
whitewash. Spend big to promote For starters, go back to being an what they do and how they act. It
a new more caring image in the employer of direct labour rather than is not about a superficial rebranded
public’s eye, just as BHP Billiton relying so heavily on contractors and image. It is about real character and
is now attempting to do with its labour hire. BHP runs the highest substance. It is about becoming a
announcement of a multi-million contracting rate of major mining good corporate citizen.
dollar advertising and promotional companies – in the order of 70% of
campaign in an effort to rebrand its workforce, rather than the average
itself. 30-40%. Common Cause is published
Having trashed its reputation in Stop aggressively cutting wages by Tony Maher for the Mining
recent years, the giant multinational and conditions by shifting to more and Energy Division of the
vulnerable contract and labour hire Construction, Forestry, Mining and
is dropping the Billiton from its name Energy Union (CFMEU).
and reverting to BHP. workers. Get real about reaching an
The company is telling the overdue fair EA with your workforce Editor: Paddy Gorman
media that the rebranding campaign in Central Queensland. Phone: (02) 9267 1035
is designed to rebuild trust and A good start to rebuilding public Web: www.cfmeu.com.au
respect within the community. “To trust would be to stop hammering
Pictured on cover are sacked
be successful we absolutely need regional communities by inflicting Appin Lodge President Dave
the support of our communities and 100% FIFO operations on them that McLachlan with his wife
our stakeholders, and the reality is lock out locals from permanent jobs Joan and South West District
on their doorsteps. Secretary Lee Webb.
we need permission to operate at all Designed & Printed by Breakout
different levels”, BHP’s chief external Stop robbing Australia of billions www.breakout.net.au
affairs officer Geoff Healy has told in tax via your ‘marketing hub’ in Phone (02) 9283 0123
the media. Singapore.
4 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1
Bosses
responsible
for killing
mineworkers
should go to
jail!
Dirty deals letting
mining bosses off
the hook for workers
deaths Queensland District President Steve Smyth.
O
ur Union’s Queensland these companies and their bosses to mining bosses.
District has hit out angrily account,” he said. “The dirty deal over the death of
at State politicians over Anglo had three fatalities at their Ian Downes follows closely on the
dirty deals being done with mining mining operations in the period of May recent disgraceful paltry fine handed
bosses that allow them off the hook 2014 to February 2015 and not one down to Anglo American after the
when they have contributed to the person has been held accountable company pleaded guilty to the death
death of a worker. to date, despite the fact Anglo had of another Grasstree miner, Paul
The latest shameful deal was pleaded guilty to one charge, which McGuire.
struck on 11 May by the Queensland led to the death of Mr Downes. “Anglo was given a get out of
Government and mining giant Anglo Steve Smyth said while the family jail free card last year and literally
and allowed three mining bosses to and workmates mourn the loss of a got away with murder in the case of
walk free after their involvement in loved one, friend and colleague, the Paul McGuire’s death because of the
the fatality of coal mineworker Ian Queensland Government has rubbed absolute inadequacies in the present
Downes in December 2014. salt into the wound by accepting this system. That Anglo could plead guilty
Ian received fatal injuries when “dirty deal” and allowing these bosses for disregarding safety obligations that
the mine wall failed and fell on to walk free. resulted in the death of Paul McGuire
him at Anglo American’s Grasstree “Yet again justice for a life has been and be given a paltry fine of only
underground mine in Central denied. The Queensland Government $137,000 was an offense to every
Queensland. Charges were and its Departments should be standing worker in this country.
brought against three mine up to industrial homicide, not excusing “The failure to again punish Anglo
bosses and Anglo Coal (Capcoal it. The Queensland Government and for its role in the death of another of
Management Pty Ltd). its Departments need to be held its miners sends a clear signal that
Queensland District President accountable for their role in protecting mining companies hold no respect for
Steve Smyth said that the bosses that have killed a worker”, the lives of their employees and that
Government should never have he said. the Government allows them to get
accepted a deal that allowed the three Stephen Smyth said that the Union away with it is a disgrace.
mine bosses to walk free. is more concerned than ever about the “While the Union expresses our
“If you kill a worker, you should lack of accountability for the lives of deepest condolences to Ian’s family,
go to jail – it’s that simple,” said mineworkers. “These dirty deals are friends and work mates, we will
Mr Smyth. “These guys will now be being struck at a time when we are continue to fight this injustice. We
free to continue managing mines discovering more and more victims will continue to campaign for laws
without having to face justice and of Black Lung and other dust related that respect the lives and rights of
be held accountable for their poor diseases in our mines. workers and we say very simply that
management that led to the death “We have a right to expect we won’t rest until mining bosses are
of Ian Downes. the Government of the day and its held to proper account for lives lost in
“The Queensland Government Departments put the lives of workers our industry. When you kill a worker,
and its Departments need to stop and the welfare of our families ahead you should go to jail”, said Stephen
protecting big business and hold of the greedy corporate interests of Smyth.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 5
Our Union
welcomes Qld
Government’s
new laws but
much more
needed on
Black Lung
Pictured from left are: Black Lung victim Steve Mellor, Internationally acclaimed Black Lung specialist Dr Bob
Cohen from the US, Black Lung victim Percy Verrall and Queensland District President Stephen Smyth.
O
n the 70th anniversary of the coal miners.” system missed diagnosing many of
historic Miners Federation Under the new regulations, all the Black Lung victims.
campaign to eradicate the new coal mine workers will undergo Minister Lynham said: “More
deadly Black Lung disease from a health assessment, including than 2,000 coal mine worker chest
Australia’s coal industry, our CFMEU respiratory function and chest x-ray x-rays have been read first by an
has welcomed the Queensland examinations, on entry into the Australian radiologist, and then sent
Government’s introduction of new industry, allowing doctors to detect to be read by US-based National
laws to tackle its re-emergence. changes that may occur over time. Institute for Occupational Safety and
Just as our Union led the Above-ground coal miners will also Health approved readers. This system
campaign in 1947 against Black Lung, be subjected to a chest x-ray and ensures every worker’s chest x-ray is
today we are leading the charge to respiratory function test at least once examined independently by at least
not only finally eradicate the deadly every 10-years. If they have worked two medical experts”.
disease but fighting for justice for the underground, it will be conducted While these are welcome moves,
victims of Black Lung and other dust every 5-years. the CFMEU will continue to campaign
related diseases. Companies will also be required for much more to be done in 2017
It was our CFMEU in 2015 that to provide dust-monitoring data to including:
exposed the re-emergence of Black the Mines Inspectorate every three • A 10c levy on all coal produced in
Lung in Queensland’s coal mines and months. An Advisory Committee Queensland to support current
has since led the campaign against of union, industry and Government and future victims of Black Lung
it, so it pleasing to report the latest representatives will review the data disease.
positive response of the Queensland and it will be published online.
• A significant reduction in legal dust
Labor Government. With the new laws, Black Lung
levels in coal mines.
On 1 January reforms to work will become a notifiable disease,
health and safety regulations became which means companies are required • Stronger laws to fight the deadly
law providing better protection for to report known cases to the disease.
mineworkers. They ensure: Queensland Mines Inspectorate. Coal The CFMEU also expects that
• Making it compulsory for companies mine workers retiring permanently recommendations to come from the
to publish dust levels publicly. can now ask their employer for a Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into
• Compulsory health checks for both retirement examination, including Black Lung and other dust related
underground and above-ground respiratory function and chest x-ray diseases be immediately acted upon
miners to ILO standards. examination. as well as the recommendations also
Chest x-ray examinations will made by the Senate Inquiry and the
• Compulsory reporting of Black Lung be performed in accordance with Sim Inquiry.
cases to the Government. International Labour Organisation It is fitting that as we mark the
In announcing the new laws guidelines, an initiative pushed 70th anniversary of our Union’s
Queensland Mines Minister Anthony strongly by our Union. campaign to eradicate Black Lung,
Lynham said Black Lung “is a Another positive development our that 2017 takes its place in history
disease that does not belong in the CFMEU drove is for a new system as the year we finally achieve it and
21st century and I am determined of reading x-rays to the world’s best provide proper care and compensation
to continue to work with industry, practice levels after some shocking for all those innocent victims of dust
unions, and doctors to protect our and disastrous failures in the previous related diseases in our coal industry.
6 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1
Our Union’s Save Dave campaign led the May Day march in Wollongong. Pictured here are Dave McLachlan with his wife Joan and South West District
Secretary Lee Webb. In the background proudly waving our Union flag is Dave’s work mate Brett Reeves.
Keeping up with our Union’s bequeathed to us. We can best add to
this by remembering that nothing we
industrial and community news
have today was ever freely given by
an employer. Everything we have was
fought for and hard won.
We encourage our members to go
visit our website regularly and check
A
well-informed rank and file of our members being informed out the news, videos and events
is the key to our Union’s about the challenges we face and by reported there. Use your devices to
success in campaigning for encouraging action in support of any join us on Facebook and follow us
better industrial rights and benefits member or section of our Union that on Twitter. You’ll not only be better
as well as world’s best practice is threatened by the unfair and unjust informed but also proud of what the
health and safety standards and our actions of employers. As our forebears great people who make up our Union
engagement in issues that affect our wisely proclaimed on our banners do on a regular basis.
families and mining communities. through the ages – An Injury to One
In a rapidly evolving media is an Injury to All – United we Stand
landscape, our members can best keep Divided we Fall – Touch one Touch all.
track of the important issues that form These are more than mere slogans. For all our latest news
our industrial and community campaigns They are proven truisms that have Go to our website
through our social media platforms as framed our campaigns and actions https://me.cfmeu.org.au/
listed in the box on this page. and remain as relevant today and
they were over 100-years ago when Join us on Facebook CFMEUMining
While our Union values its internal
communications, we know that the mineworkers throughout Australia’s Follow us on Twitter @CFMEU_ME
success of our many campaigns regions united to form the powerful
hinges on informing members and national Union we are today.
the public about our values and issues The challenge of our generation
through the mainstream press, TV now is to build on the rich historical
and radio. legacy that our predecessors
The lifeblood of our Union is our
rank and file. Historically, the key to
our successes has been winning public
support on issues like Black Lung, a
Fair Go in the workplace, Steady Jobs,
decent conditions and standards in
our communities and much more.
We have had many notable
achievements and the common
denominator in them all has been
solidarity – standing together and
being prepared to fight for our rights. Fighting from the front. Queensland President Steve Smyth addressing a community meeting in
This is built on the firm foundation support of the German Creek miners in Central Queensland.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 7
CFMEU delivers another major victory against
casualisation
I
n another major breakthrough
for casual labour hire contract
coal mineworkers, our Union has
won significant pay and entitlement
benefits for SCM workers at South
32’s Appin Colliery. It consolidates
new benchmark standards set
by the Delta workers in their
recent breakthrough there against
casualisation.
NSW South/West Vice-President
Bob Timbs said that after a hard fought
10-week campaign that saw them out
the gate for 3-weeks on protected
action, some 50 SCM contract labour
hire workers have won major pay
increases along with big improvements
in other entitlements, including job
security.
“The SCM workers are now
back on the job with the in-principle
agreement awaiting some tidying
up before going to a vote”, said Bob
Timbs. “The pay increases are at least Protesting contract miners joined by 94-year old Union legend Fred Moore.
8 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1
as good as those the Delta workers for forced casualization – all other at South 32’s Appin Colliery not only
won ranging between $10,000- employees can opt for a fixed 2-year sets new standards in the NSW South
$24,000 per year and a big boost permanent term”. West District. The gains can become
in their bonus. The other gains in Bob Timbs said that the SCM the benchmark for the thousands of
entitlements and conditions are also workers deserved great credit for other vulnerable casual workers being
comparable to the new benchmark having the guts to fight. “They have ruthlessly exploited by labour hire and
Delta deal. fought bloody hard to secure these contracting companies who, in turn,
“We are especially pleased with gains. It has not been easy for these are being screwed by the big mining
the gains against casualization in miners and their families but our companies that control Australia’s coal
favour of security of employment. At Union has backed them all the way industry.
least one-third of the SCM employees and we are delighted that their will to It shows what determined and
will now move from casuals to fight for a Fair Go has been realised. united action by workers backed by a
permanent employment. Further, They deserve nothing less”, he said. strong militant Union like our CFMEU
there will no longer be any provision This battle against casualisation can achieve together.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 9
South West District Vice-President Bob Timbs addressing protesting contract miners fighting for a Fair Go. District Secretary Lee Webb is pictured on his left.
CFMEU defeats another shonky labour hire attack
T
he CFMEU has repelled ‘agreement’ in the Commission a shot duck and not a risen Phoenix!
another attempt by a we opposed it. However, the This is another important win
shonky labour hire outfit to Commissioner ruled in Sparta’s favour for the Union in the face of an
further lower the bar on rights and the CFMEU immediately appealed onslaught by ruthless cost-cutting
and conditions in the coal mining to a Full Bench of the Commission. labour hire companies in our industry
industry by exploiting vulnerable Fortunately, the Full Bench saw that are being used by the big
contract workers. the shonky deal for what it was and mining companies in an attempt to
In an important win in the Fair sent it back to the Commissioner who further casualise the coal industry
Work Commission, our Union then reversed her original decision and undermine the benefits and job
successfully appealed against an and Sparta’s ‘national agreement’ was security of the entire workforce.
earlier decision that would have
granted Sparta Mining Services Pty
Ltd the right to register a ‘national
agreement’ that set a new low for
labour hire contract workers in the
industry, with a wage rate just 4%
above the bare Award.
Basically, Sparta’s ‘agreement’
was struck with just three employees.
These workers had been employed by
Sparta Mining until the company went
broke owing money. Sparta went
out of existence on a Friday and like
a Phoenix it rose from the ashes on
the following Monday, this time with
the letter n removed from the name
of the company to become Sparta
Mining!
The ‘new’ company struck a
shonky deal with the same three
employees and was back in business
intending to use its cut-throat
conditions to harvest new work in the
Queensland and NSW South West
coal mines.
When our Union heard that Sparta
had applied to register its new national With the support of our Union, contract workers are fighting back.
10 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1We back
coal industry
programme to
promote mental
health and
wellbeing
Mates in Mining Project Manager Andrew McMahon.
T
hanks to a 3-year, $520,000 determined to be in the front line of the NSW Minerals Council as Director
grant from the Coal Services supporting workers in our industry in of Health and Safety. He helped
Health and Safety Trust, tackling mental health problems and guide the industry on investigating
MATES in Mining, an industry fostering wellbeing to prevent the mental health issues, publishing the
programme to promote mental scourge of suicide tragedies. industry’s landmark Mental Health
health and wellbeing, has kicked The Australian mining industry has and Wellbeing Blueprint. He is a
off in earnest in 2017. Our Union’s been undertaking research focussed passionate suicide prevention and
Northern Mining & NSW Energy broadly on mental health and mental wellbeing advocate.
District Secretary Grahame Kelly wellbeing in the industry for several MIM has hit the ground running
has been appointed by the Central years and collectively (CFMEU and – supporting existing mine sites
Executive as our representative companies) have decided to embark and fielding enquiries from across
on the Mates in Mining Steering on the MATES journey, following in Australia.
Committee, which will oversee the the footsteps of the highly successful Grahame Kelly is calling on
roll out of the initiative across the MATES in Construction (MIC). CFMEU members who may know
industry with a focus on prevention The mission of the NSW based a mining or resources site that may
of suicide. Coal Services Health and Safety be interested in the MATES model
Grahame presented a Trust (HST), is to seek out, nurture to contact Andrew (amcmahon@
detailed report to our recent 2017 and apply quality research for the matesinmining.org.au), visit the
Central Council AGM that was benefit of coal miners and mining website at www.matesinmining.org.
unanimously endorsed by all District communities. So it was a natural fit au or hop over and like and share the
representatives. for them to provide funding to MIC, MATES in Mining Facebook page.
He spoke of the need for which enables the appointment of
the Union to play a leading role a full time Project Manager, further
in addressing mental health and implementation at mine sites and the
wellbeing issues and suicide creation of a sustainable MIM entity.
prevention. He emphasised the MIC has been working with the
need for the Union and employers to mining industry for the last five years.
develop a committed partnership to Firstly trialling the General Awareness
support those suffering from stress and Connector training on several
and strain that often spark tragic mine sites and more recently the
outcomes. full rollout of the MATES model at
Grahame told Common Cause Glencore’s Glendell and Claremont
that the Union was aware of several mine sites.
cases of suicide in the workforce MIC have appointed Andrew
over the past few years. “Mental McMahon as the MATES in Mining
health is an issue that cuts across all Project Manager. He comes with a
industries, professions and sections strong background having worked for Northern Mining & NSW Energy District
of our community. Our CFMEU is the Minerals Council of Australia and Secretary Grahame Kelly.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 11Mt Owen and Saxonvale CFMEU Lodge representatives with Ronald McDonald House staffers. From left – Jason Marshall, Adam Bennett, Brad Bates,
Rohan Bingham (RMH) , Les Schefe, Isha Doyle (RMH), Keith Gibbs and Ben Slade.
Mt Owen and Saxonvale CFMEU Lodges back
stricken kids
O
ur Union members at the and Bayswater are also sponsors at Bates told Common Cause.
Mt Owen and Saxonvale Ronald McDonald House. Since opening the doors in 1991,
Lodges in the NSW Northern Ross Bingham CEO of the Ronald close to 1,000 families call Ronald
District are now proud sponsors McDonald House in Newcastle McDonald House home each year.
of Newcastle’s Ronald McDonald said they are “so grateful for the Communal areas of the House are
House (RMH) that provides a continued support of the CFMEU. as much about sharing journeys
‘home away from home’ to families The guys are so enthusiastic and as they are about sharing facilities,
of children receiving hospital supportive of what we do for the with families, staff and volunteers
treatment for serious and life families here at the house and we providing a caring and supportive
threatening conditions – whether really value the relationship that has environment.
from disease, injury or a congenital formed over many years”. Brad Bates told Common Cause
condition. Our CFMEU members assist that the facility “is a fantastic place
Mt Owen Lodge Secretary Brad in other ways too. Just before last to go to see how much care and
Bates told Common Cause that the Christmas members of the Mt Owen support is offered for the families that
Ronald McDonald House features and Saxonvale Lodges went to Ronald visit there. I’d encourage Lodges to
12 comfortably furnished family McDonald House to cook for the kids visit the House and join those of us
bedrooms and six self-contained units and families. CFMEU members who are already
located in a peaceful bushland setting “The day was a great success with sponsors. They deserve all the
on the grounds of the John Hunter all being so appreciative and we intend community support they can get”,
Children’s Hospital on making this an annual event”, Brad he said.
“The staff are wonderful and
provide a great atmosphere where
the routines of home life can continue
as much as possible through stressful
and difficult times for the children
and their families”, said Brad. “Our
Lodge is proud to be a sponsor of a
room that helps to make it possible
for families to stay together at a
time when they need each other the
most”.
Besides the CFMEU members
at Mt Owen and Saxonvale, our
other Northern District Lodges at Mt
Thorley Warkworth, Drayton, Anvil Hill Getting busy in the litchen.
12 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1As Hazelwood closes, National Executive pays
tribute to workers outstanding service
O
n Friday the 31st of March, planned for the future. responsibility and a shared cost.
the Hazelwood Power Station We are sure that if governments This Victorian Partnership
in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley had taken notice of the CFMEU’s push Agreement with the State
officially closed, bringing to an for Just Transition earlier, we would Government, power station operators
end a long history of outstanding have a better outcome today. and workers was possible because you
service to the community. To We must acknowledge what’s came together through your union to
mark the occasion, our Union’s been achieved here - we have an ensure no-one is left behind with the
General President Tony Maher on Australia-first agreement in the Worker Hazelwood closure.
behalf or the CFMEU Mining and Transfer Scheme. While it is far from Workers at Hazelwood should be
Energy National Executive, paid the perfect it is a remarkable achievement proud they have set a precedent that
following tribute: after the company reneged on plans will benefit thousands of other workers
Today is a very sad day for all to stay open to 2025 and walked out around the country.
Hazelwood workers, their families and giving only four months notice. Let’s be clear about why we are
the wider mining community in the Make no mistake - the fight here here today: the Federal Government
Latrobe Valley. in the Latrobe Valley is not over. We – including Malcolm Turnbull – turned
The Hazelwood power station has will be fighting under this Agreement its back on mining and energy
supplied power and jobs to Victorians to get every job possible out of this communities across Australia.
for generations and, even with the scheme for Hazelwood workers. Considering State governments are
Worker Transfer Agreement, the whole We must also continue fighting for responsible for this essential service –
community will feel the impact of this all workers across the country because we now look to them for a solution.
closure. private owners of the coal fired We congratulate the Victorian
The Executive today pays power stations around Australia have District leadership, delegates and
tribute to all workers resilience and announced they will all close as they members for their solidarity and
determination to get a better deal after reach their expected design life. determination: Trevor Williams, Geoff
Hazelwood closes – you have stood What we’ve learnt from the Dyke and Peter Waanders have
up and fought when governments, Hazelwood experience is that demonstrated strong leadership in
investors and business would Governments can’t let private difficult times. Special mention has
otherwise have done nothing. companies dictate the timetable for to be made of Mark Richards and the
You are the victims of short-sighted closures. Governments should step in other Hazelwood workers who have
companies who have spent the past to protect the interests of consumers, done a superb job in the media being
twenty years since privatisation taking workers and their communities. Private the public face of the workforce and
profit while failing to invest; and short- employers should also be compelled community.
sighted governments who have looked to hire all redundant workers until the Workers United will never be
the other way when they should have pool is exhausted. It should be a shared Defeated.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 13Pictured from left to right at Hole 11 tee-off dedicated to the South Bulli mine are Russell Vale Golf Club Captain Alan Sellars, former Miners Federation
General Secretary Barry Swan, mining Union legend Fred Moore, Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, Federal Labor MP Sharon Bird, Russell Vale Golf
Club President Robyn Crowe and State Labor MP Ryan Park.
Russell Vale Golf Club Nebo reunion
dedicates its course to brings outstanding
history of local coal mines veterans together
T
he Nebo Colliery in our
I
n a move that combines the best Barry Swan told Common Cause NSW South West District
of the Illawarra’s sporting and that a plaque featuring a picture of has an outstanding
historical traditions, the Russell each individual mine along with a short history as one of the most
Vale Golf Club has dedicated each history of the operation was mounted militant and highest achieving
of its 18-holes on the course to on a stand at the tee-off point for Lodges in our Union. This year,
honouring a local coal mine in its each hole. veterans held their second
area. “It was a wonderful initiative of reunion and relived many of
Former Miners Federation General the Russell Vale Golf Club to celebrate the campaigns they fought
Secretary Barry Swan was invited the contribution that local coal mines together and celebrated many
to assist by way of researching the have made to the development and of the victories they won.
history of Illawarra coal mines. From prosperity of our community and the
this research, 18 of the names of local region”, said Barry.
Illawarra’s historic coal mines would be “It will serve as a constant
selected to become a feature at each reminder of the role our coal industry
of the course’s individual golf holes. has played and it is fitting that it be
This naming concept was initiated by situated on a lovely Golf Course that
former Mine Mechanics Association itself has been constructed on part of
member Barry Johnson and Russell the reclaimed site of the former South
Vale Golf Club captain Alan Sellars, Bulli Colliery”.
the Sellars family being synonymous Federal Labor MP Sharon Bird,
with the history of coal mining in the who comes from a long line of
Illawarra. Illawarra coal miners, said it was
There was a large turnout for the wonderful to see two of the most
official naming of the 18-holes at the celebrated passions in the region,
Russell Vale Golf Club on 24 February sport and history, combined in this
with members of the Club joined by initiative.
many others in the community. Among “We are all proud of our coal
those who spoke were Federal Labor mining history and the Russell Vale Pictured from left to right among those
former Nebo miners who attended are:
MP Sharon Bird, State Labor MP Ryan Golf Club deserves great credit Trevor Catt, the legendary Fred Moore and
Park and Wollongong Lord Mayor for helping keep it alive in our former Lodge President Roy Gersbach.
Gordon Bradbery. community”, she told Common Cause.
14 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1Mount Thorley
Warkworth
Lodge members
rally to support
Troy Miles and
family
Troy and Nicole Miles with their three sons Toby, Bailey and Zac.
T
he strength of solidarity that way he has handled this tragedy has to do what we can to assist. We all
binds mineworkers together inspired us all. His wife Nic and sons know that if any of us ever needed
in challenging times is well have been so strong and supportive. his help, Troy would be there for us.
illustrated by our CFMEU Mount “While Troy has had made It is what being in a proud Union like
Thorley Warkworth Lodge’s support progress he has a tough road ahead the CFMEU is all about – looking after
for their stricken workmate Troy but his CFMEU mates at our mine will each other and always being there”,
Miles and his family. be with him, Nic and the family Edan told Common Cause.
Troy was involved in an horrific
road accident last year that has left
him as a Quadriplegic. His injuries
were substantial and extensive and
Troy mustered every ounce of his
formidable spirit and resolve to keep
fighting for life. That he survived and
is improving is due to not only his
courage and determination but to the
love and support of his wife Nic and
sons Toby, Bailey and Zac.
In his brave fight Troy was
also backed by his fellow CFMEU
mineworkers at his Northern District’s
Mount Thorley Warkworth Lodge
who, driven by Lodge Vice-President
Edan Price, hosted a race at the
Maitland Greyhounds on Australia Day
Lodge Vice-President Edan Price presenting winners cup to Michelle Sultana with for her greyhound
to raise funds for Troy and his family.
Struggle Street as some of the Mount Thorley Warkworth Lodge members look on.
Edan Price told Common Cause
that they have now raised more than
$12,000 from the day.
“It was a great day. Entry was
free to our Union members and family
who wore a CFMEU shirt. We had
great entertainment and activities for
the kids including a jumping castle,
ice blocks, drinks and face painting
and we ran raffles and prizes all day.
There was lots for the adults to do too
but the highlight of the day was the
running of The Troy Miles Cup, which
was won by a classy greyhound called
Struggle Street”.
Edan told Common Cause that
he was proud and delighted with the
Retired Mount Thorley member Solly from the Clubhouse Retired Lodge President Rusell Trappel
support Troy’s fellow Union members Hotel Singleton who raised over $300 for the signed along with long serving Vice-President
gave. “Troy’s a great bloke and the Newcastle Knights jersey. Borax.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 15The new ACTU leadership team of Sally McManus and Ged Kearney with supporters.
New ACTU Secretary Sally McManus’s call
to fight unjust industrial laws
T
he following is an extract from TV that our current industrial laws are In 1938 wharfies refused to load
a speech given by new ACTU wrong. I told her that it should not be pig iron that was to be sent to Japan.
Secretary Sally McManus to so hard for workers in our country to People broke the law to oppose
the National Press Club in Canberra take industrial action. apartheid.
recently. It was televised live I believe in the rule of law, but laws There was resistance to
throughout Australia: must be fair and just and right. When conscription.
Australia’s workplace laws are laws are unjust no, I don’t think there’s Indigenous workers walked off
broken. Our minimum wage has fallen a problem with breaking them. stations to demand equal pay.
The right to strike is a human The Green Bans saved the beauty
to a dangerously low level. Wage theft
right. It’s our government that is out of Sydney.
is a new business model for too many
of step, not the Australian trade union And then there were all the
employers
movement. illegal strikes by generations of union
Inequality in our country is the
The United Nations has declared members that led to the very living
worst it has been for 70 years and 679
strike action to be a right. The standards we all enjoy.
of our biggest corporations pay not
International Labour Organisation There are now 745,000 people
one cent of tax.
declares Australia to be at odds with without a job in our country. It is
Our strike laws are out of step with international conventions. Professor particularly bad in regional areas and
international law. Andrew Stewart, an Australian for young people.
Our bargaining laws are inadequate expert on labour law, says: “The There are more than one million
and unable to deal with the new and ILO for the past 20 to 30 years has people looking for more hours of work
ever changing business models being told governments of both political every week. 40% of workers don’t
adopted by the big end of town. persuasions that we are in breach of have access to any paid leave.
Now, the Fair Work Commission international labour standards.” The new jobs being created are
makes decisions to cut the wages Yet our government and some almost entirely part-time or casual.
and conditions of some of our lowest major media institutions have a Underpayment of wages in the
paid workers. And the mechanisms meltdown when workers stand up for retail, farming, food processing, and
we have had to improve our living themselves. hospitality sectors are costing people
standards are no longer working. The question of what is a just tens of thousands of dollars in what
In short, the very wealthy have or an unjust law and when it is ok amounts to stolen wages. And every
too much power in our country and to challenge unjust laws has been week we hear of further scandals
ordinary Australians – working people debated for a very long time. In our where workers are underpaid.
– do not have enough. movement we take the examples of Wage growth is the lowest it’s been
I told 7.30’s Leigh Sales on ABC our heroes to heart. since records have been kept. Even the
16 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1Reserve Bank has expressed concern representative much harder by tipping saying we need to increase wages.
wages are not growing fast enough. more power to employers. But we are the Australian trade union
Our ability to have a dignified And while the government talks movement and when wages are under
retirement is at significant risk, with tough on unions, it refuses to take attack, we stand up.
an estimated $3.6 billion each year on what is euphemistically called tax We fight back.
being taken from workers in unpaid minimisation which costs us billions of The only thing that will stop these
super. At the same time, the Turnbull dollars each year. cuts and actually raise wages, protect
Government is looking for any Those billions are our childcare, people’s rights and ensure we have
opportunity to hand over our super our education, our hospitals and good, steady jobs is workers ourselves
to the big banks our pensions. All forsaken by this banding together in our unions.
And our health, education and tax Government as it allows corporations It’s that coming together in a union
systems are under huge pressure as to avoid paying their fair share of tax. which gave us the weekend, public
a result of tax dodging by companies The stories of profitable household- holidays, superannuation, Medicare
and the very wealthy. name companies paying zero dollars in and penalty rates in the first place.
The notion of a “fair go” is under tax seem to come out every week. Yet That list could go on and on.
attack from the wealthy and powerful. under this government we cannot get It was the power of working
We are now a country full of stressed a royal commission or a federal ICAC people, standing shoulder to
people worried about our jobs and or even a properly funded and staffed shoulder and saying “no more” to
wondering why things have not turned Australian Tax Office to begin to look exploitation that ended the Master and
out as we thought they should in into the problem. Servants Act, indentured servitude,
Australia. But it isn’t just large public WorkChoices and bans on married
We cannot accept one rule for the corporations. Australia’s wealthiest women in the public service.
rich, another for the rest of us. individuals get in on the scheme too. Whether you’re behind a desk,
Big corporations and the wealthy According to the ATO, one in five on a building site or a mine, in a
are accumulating more power and privately owned Australian companies classroom, a factory, at a hospital, in
influence. They have reinforced the with more than $100 million in revenue a café or a shop. Wherever you work,
advantages they enjoy and have tried paid no tax in 2015 - not one cent. you are not alone.
to weaken those who might try and And 40 millionaires paid more than Our union movement has
shift the balance back towards working a million dollars to minimise their tax achieved so much that our rights
people. bill. One million dollars each. And by can sometimes seem inevitable or
Particularly they have targeted the way, that million spend on dodging eternal. They are not. They were won
unions. tax is also tax deductible. by generations of working people in
This is what the Trade Union Royal These corporations and the their unions. Brave people, courageous
Commission, the ABCC and the laws extremely wealthy are deciding that people. Working people.
that the Federal Government has we shouldn’t have as much money for The times compel the Australian
pursued and will try to pursue are all schools, hospitals, community services union movement to make a decision.
about. and pensions. We could meekly accept the taking
But this is the reality: some Australian unions were an essential away of rights that those before us
industries are dangerous. Construction, part of making the rules which fought for. We could say growing
truck driving, mining are difficult, underpinned our once excellent living inequality and mass job insecurity are
dangerous jobs where people die. standards. Now Australian unions will just inevitable and there is nothing
They leave their homes and they lead a movement to rebuild them. much we can do. Or we could say, no
never return. It is almost unimaginable that more. Not on our watch. We will not
Families lose husbands, sons, hundreds of thousands of workers be bystanders. We will campaign to
wives, daughters, aunties and uncles. are facing a penalty rate pay cut at tip the scales back towards everyday
Communities lose their neighbours a time when even Scott Morrison is Australians.
and friends. Parents lose their children.
And some companies cut corners
to save money and to save time. If
we do not have strong unions, the
more corners they will cut. This puts
people’s lives at risk.
This is why union officials don’t
prioritise paperwork or wait 24-hours
when they hear something is so
dangerous a worker could be killed.
They go directly to that worksite
and they do what they can to stop
people being killed. They put saving
lives first. The fact they have to break
the law to do so is a national disgrace.
This is what the ABCC is designed
to do: make doing the job of a union Sally with activists in the Unions’ Build a Better Future campaign.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 17Taffy Smale, left, pictured with former Miners Federation General Presidents Walter (Pincher) Smart, centre, and Bob Kelly.
Union loses another giant with the passing of
Bill ‘Taffy’ Smale, former Miners Federation
General Secretary by Paddy Gorman
O
ur Union has lost another his wife Mary and young daughter determination to organise and fight.
giant with the passing of Dianne, Taffy migrated to Australia in Nebo was a tough underground
former Miners Federation 1952. On arrival in Sydney he heard mine owned and operated by BHP
General Secretary Bill (Taffy) Smale that the coal mines in the Illawarra subsidiary Australian Iron and Steel
on 13 Febrary, aged 93. were looking for good workers and (AIS). Its management came through
Taffy, as he was known to all his so he made his way down south and the company ranks. They were
friends and Comrades, rose through got a job at the Nebo Colliery. There ruthless and gave the workers no
the ranks as a Lodge and District he met the man who was to remain quarter in the pursuit of company
President to be elected as General his best friend and Comrade for the profits.
Secretary of the Miners Federation rest of his life – a determined young Fortunately, the Miners Federation
in 1973, a position he held until militant named Fred Moore. members were even more determined
his retirement at the end of 1982. Fred lived in a modest home in and never took a backward step,
Throughout those years he was Dapto with his wife May and three which meant a lot of time out the
involved in some of the most pivotal young daughters and Taffy was taken gate in industry disputes, many of
struggles and campaigns that won in to help him find his feet. Months them related to mine safety. Unity and
many of the conditions and benefits later, Mary, Dianne and Mary’s Mum Solidarity were the cornerstones of the
we enjoy today. followed Taffy to Australia and they Nebo Lodge, in the mine and out in the
Taffy was born in South Wales lived with the Moore family while they community too.
in 1924. His politics as a young man set about building their own home Nebo became one of the most
were shaped by the sharp anti-fascist close by. Fred Moore recalls that in respected and militant pits in the
struggles of the 1930s. With the the spirit of the times, “half the Nebo Miners Federation with a strong
outbreak of the Second World War, pit got stuck in and helped Taffy build presence of Communist Party
Taffy joined the RAF and served with his house”. members, including Taffy and Fred.
distinction flying dozens of missions, Taffy, like Fred, was a natural Schooled in this environment,
many as a navigator. born leader, a great orator who Taffy rose through the rank and file to
In search of a better life for backed it with the commitment and become Lodge President, a member
18 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1of the NSW Southern District’s Board Australian coal. While this presented Board. In pursuit of joint venture
of Management and in 1965 he was the Union with new opportunities partners to develop the mine, both
elected to the Miners Federation’s through increased industrial and Taffy and Bill showed great knowledge
Central Council. The respect he won economic clout, the advantages that and an understanding of the detail
saw him elected District President could be won depended on strong and involved in the mining industry that
in 1969. united leadership. left many government and business
Taffy continued to provide For Taffy that meant real vision leaders stunned. But neither Taffy
astute leadership for a strong and backed by militancy. Along with Evan or Bill ever lost sight of where they
determined rank and file that faced Phillips and Northern District President came from and what they were there
many challenges, including the Bill Chapman that challenge was for – to serve the rights and interests
decades long drawn out fight for a 35- thrown down in January 1975 when of coal mineworkers and their
hour week that the Union won in 1970 workers at the Nymboida Colliery communities.
and was finally introduced in 1971. were dismissed with no pay and Taffy played a key role in the
In 1972, Taffy led the Union benefits when the owners decided to Miners Pension, which had been
in supporting the world’s first close the mine. established in 1941 as the first
underground coal mine work-in at the The rest, as they say, is history. of its kind for blue collar workers
South Clifton Colliery in the Southern After taking over and working-in at in Australia. Since then, all coal
District. Against all odds, the work-in the mine, Taffy was among those mineworkers had to retire when they
resulted in a much fairer deal for the chief negotiators who arranged the reached the age of 60. Taffy and the
mineworkers facing retrenchments transfer of Nymboida’s ownership to Union fought to have earlier optional
and provided the platform for the Miners Federation. He was there retirement introduced and they won it
improved benefits for many other every step along the four-and-a-half in two stages, first optional retirement
workers in years to come. year journey in which the Nymboida at 58-years of age and then at 55.
The 1970s were testing years miners successfully ran the pit and Towards the end of 1982 when
for the Miners Federation not only in the process secured the United he was 58-years old, Taffy retired to
in the industrial arena but in the Collieries replacement lease in 1979. spend time with his beloved wife
community too. Although proud of Since then, thousands of mineworkers Mary and grown up daughters Dianne
his service in the War, Taffy had seen and many more throughout our mining and Karen. Mary Smale was an
the devastation it inflicted on tens regions in Australia have benefited outstanding activist in her own right.
of millions of victims and became a directly from the wonderful Nymboida She had been a leader of the Miners
leading activist in support of World legacy. Women’s Auxiliary, a champion of
Peace. He was a staunch opponent When Evan Phillips retired in women’s rights and a key activist
of the Vietnam War and with the 1978, Taffy was joined in the national in many of the socially progressive
Federation played a very active role office by his old friend and fellow movements in the Southern District.
in fighting the conservative Federal Communist Bob Kelly as General When she came to Sydney with
Government’s involvement in it. President. Taffy in 1973, Mary became a leader in
Indeed, the Union was to play an In July 1979, they were both the Union of Australian Women (UAW)
important role in mobilising support particularly hit when the Southern where she played a particularly strong
for the election of the Whitlam District’s Appin coal mine exploded role in the fight for women’s equality
Government in 1972 on a platform taking the lives of 14 miners. Taffy and in the Peace Movement. Mary
that included many industrial and and Bob knew many of those killed worked full-time in the NSW office of
socially progressive polices. and their families too. When the Wran the Building Workers Industrial Union
In 1973 Taffy moved to the Government commissioned Judge Alf (BWIU – now part of the CFMEU
national stage when he was elected Goran to conduct an Inquiry into the Construction Division).
General Secretary of the Miners disaster, Taffy Smale was appointed Taffy was followed as General
Federation to succeed the retiring as one of the two Assessors to Secretary by another Southern District
Bob Cram. conduct the Inquiry with Judge Goran. rank and file leader Barry Swan, who
In those days, the Miners It is no exaggeration to say that Taffy’s added to the rich contribution of his
Federation had only two full-time knowledge contributed enormously predecessors both in this vital national
national officials – the General to the Inquiry’s recommendations position and then as the coal industry
President and General Secretary. that led to a much safer laws and employees representative on the Joint
When Taffy took office he joined standards in NSW coal mines. It is a Coal Board.
another Welsh-born Communist Evan legacy that has seen no more major Taffy and Mary retired to the
Phillips who was General President disasters in NSW near the scale of Central Coast where they entertained
and had previously been a NSW Appin. family and friends until Mary’s sad
Northern District President. When the Wran Labor passing in September 1987.
Under their leadership, the Government gave the Miners Taffy is survived by his two
Federation continued to go from Federation its replacement coal daughters, Dianne and Karen, and a
strength to strength. The OPEC Oil lease in the NSW Hunter Valley, Taffy wonderful group of grandchildren, as
Crisis of 1973-1974, saw a surge in joined Northern District President well as his second wife Mary. To them
the price of oil internationally and a Bill Chapman as the first two Union all, we extend our sincerest sympathy
rush by the big multinationals into Directors on the United Collieries on their sad loss.
VOL 83 NO.1 COMMON CAUSE 19Sad loss of Frank McCarron
O
ur Union is saddened
by the recent passing
of distinguished retired
Northern District miner Frank
McCarron, aged 92.
Frank was a former Miners
Federation Central Councillor, a
member of our Union’s Northern
District Board of Management and
President of the Liddell Miners
Lodge.
He came from a long line of
outstanding Miners Federation
activists. His Dad, Frank, was a
Rothbury veteran and one of 10,000
Northern District coal miners
who were locked out of work for
15-months from 1929 to1930 for
fighting against savage wage cuts.
His grandfather William
Morgan was a Northern District
representative on the Miners
Federation’s first Central Council. Frank McCarron, pictured when he was President of the Miners Federation Liddell Lodge in the
Frank followed his distinguished Northern District.
family predecessors in contributing
enormously to the struggles of coal continued the family’s proud mining Frank’s wife Eunice died 37-years
mineworkers and our communities traditions and even today Frank has a ago and he later married Shirley who
particularly in the 1970s and 1980s grand nephew working at the South survives him. On behalf of the entire
including the Nymboida miners West’s Appin Colliery – the fifth Mining and Energy Division of the
takeover as well as the Kemira and generation of the family spanning the CFMEU, we extend our deepest
Preston miners stay-down strikes. first century of our Union as a national condolences to Frank’s family and
Frank’s nephew Phil Patten organisation. friends on their sad loss.
Colouring-in Winners
Congratulations to the following winners of the Summer 2016
colouring-in competition who each receive a special prize:
Chloe Baskerville 11 New South Wales
Charlotte Dean 3 New South Wales
Ruby Ison 8 New South Wales
Taleah Clark Wyatt Laycock
Taleah Clark 7 New South Wales
Ave Tregea 10 Queensland
Wyatt Laycock 7 Queensland
Luca 6 Queensland
Lily Round 8 Tasmania
Mitch Leslie 7 Victoria
Isabelle Kay 8 Western Australia Ava Tregea Lily Round
20 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.1You can also read
