Illawarra Mercury reported that the union representing BlueScope Steel workers has taken the next step towards strike action after talks with the steelmaker failed to produce an agreement.

The Australian Workers Union has applied to Fair Work Australia for a protected action ballot to authorise industrial action

It comes after negotiations over a new enterprise bargaining agreement stalled last week.

Port Kembla branch secretary of AWU Mr Wayne Phillips said that the company's offer to workers included changes to sick leave, job security and consultation that were not acceptable to the union.

He said that the 3 year deal included pay rises of 3% in the first year and 2.5% after that.

In contrast, the union favoured a 12-month agreement with a 3 per cent pay rise.

BlueScope and the AWU are now butting heads on two fronts: the enterprise agreement and what the union said were further proposed job cuts at the steelworks.

The company axed about 800 positions at Port Kembla as part of its major restructure last year.

Source - illawarramercury.com.au

(www.steelguru.com)