The Wire

The BHP Billiton Yandi mine in WA is one of the largest manufacturers of iron ore for the foreign market. For the first time in history, Japanese and Chinese buyers are queuing up to buy iron ore from Australia. At this potentially lucrative moment, 210 workers a tthe mine are set to resist the Australian workplace agreement (or AWA), becoming the first Australian miners to oppose these employer-employee contracts, since the introduction of AWAs in 1996. In an unconventional argument, the Australian Workers Union argue that individual bargaining adds pressure to employers, and distracts management from securing overseas iron ore buyers. And the workers at Yandi agree that group negotiations are the best option. The Union also argues that its unrealistic for individuals to have to negotiate the legal and social parameters of each seperate contract. All this raises questions over the pros and cons of the entire AWA system in Australia. Taya Fabijanic spoke to Kelvin McCann, National Director of Industrial Relations, Australian Workers Union, and Steve Knott, CEO, Australian Mines and Minerals Association.

Office of the Employment Advocate
LaborNet: Pilbara Miners resist AWAs
Australian Mines and Minerals Association