PWCS labor unions hint at extended strike actions over the fortnight

BRISBANE (Scrap Monster) :  The labor union heads representing major trade unions have decided to further intensify the strike actions at the Port Waratah Coal Services’ coal export terminals at Newcastle.

The union-affiliated labors had observed a four-hour stoppage of work on May 15^th from 10 AM to 2PM. At a meeting held during the 4-hour strike, the union leaders decided to intensify the industrial action by observing strikes of extended duration ranging from 12 hours to 24 hours, the timing for which will be announced later.

The short duration strike action was jointly observed by The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, the Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union, the Transport Workers' Union, the Australian Workers' Union and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).

Negotiations by the PWCS authorities with the union heads are yet to arrive at a breakthrough. The major issues still remain unresolved. The union leaders say the company remained firm in its position. Negotiations are bound to continue and an outcome is expected during the next round of talks scheduled next week.

PWCS operates one of the world’s largest coal handling operations. PWCS operates two coal terminals, Carrington and Kooragang which are located in the Port of Newcastle. Carrington Coal Terminal has a shiploading capacity of 25 million tonnes per annum (‘Mtpa’) and Kooragang Coal Terminal has a shiploading capacity of 108 Mtpa. These terminals receive, assemble and load Hunter Valley coal for export to customers around the world.