The West Australian reported that Griffin Coal has settled a protracted pay dispute with unions, giving its plans to expand coal exports to India from its mine in Collie a much-needed boost. As per reported about 300 Griffin workers will now get an additional 22.5% over four years.

It comes as the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union also completed separate deals with neighbouring coal miner Yancoal, and a small agreement with BHP Billiton for 90 workers in the Pilbara.

The union will now turn its attention to landmark July 3 negotiations with BHP over its Pilbara train drivers.

Although Griffin's Indian owner Lanco Infratech claimed earlier this month to have won an in principle agreement with the coal unions.

Mr Gary Wood of the CFMEU said the deal would see the company through the next four years. He said that "It sets in place the employment conditions for the next four years. So any financial modelling they do needs to take this into account."

If Lanco wanted to use contractors for its expansion plans they would need to be paid the same conditions as the permanent workforce, Mr Wood said.

Assuming it can resolve a separate AUD 3.5 billion legal battle over coal supply with Perdaman Chemicals, and raise money to build new port facilities and rail, Lanco wants to expand Griffin's annual output from 4 million tonnes to 20 million tonne. Most of that coal would be exported to the power-hungry subcontinent.

Griffin Coal's general manager employee and industrial relations, Chris Godfrey, said that an "unprecedented" 100 per cent of employees had voted for the deal. He said that "Griffin Coal management has now completed all negotiations with its employees and will continue to meet and exceed the expectations of Griffin Coal customers without risk of industrial action.”

Source - The West Australian

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