ABC reported that the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union said that it will push ahead with industrial action in Queensland's Bowen Basin that could disrupt the world's supply of coking coal.

Late last week, mass meetings of coal miners endorsed a week long shutdown of BMAs seven Queensland mines.

It is the culmination of a 15 month enterprise bargaining dispute between BMA and the CFMEU.

CFMEU spokesman Steve Smyth said that negotiations have broken down over the key issues of housing, safety representatives and equal pay for equal work.

He says union officials will meet this week.

He said “We go away and look at what has the least amount of impact on our members and the most impact on the company.”

He says strike action will take place in the next couple of weeks but workers are prepared for any company retaliation.

In a statement, BMA asset president mr Steve Dumble said that industrial action will harm employees and delay an outcome and the unions should return to the negotiating table.

(Sourced from abc.net.au)