Since 1921, the Collieries Staff and Officials Association (CSOA) has stood alongside mining supervisors, technical, professional and administrative staff, ensuring they have a real voice at work. More than a century on, the union for mining supervisors, technical, professional and administrative staff remains dedicated to securing respect, certainty and fair conditions for its members across the industry.
This year showed exactly why unions matter. When negotiations between Origin and Centennial broke down, more than 300 jobs at Myuna Colliery and an entire community were at risk. CSOA, working alongside the MEU, AMWU and ETU, backed workers and their families to demand a fair outcome. Because union members stood together, Myuna was saved.
Across the country, CSOA members are realising their collective strength to protect and improve their conditions through enterprise bargaining. At Chain Valley Colliery, CSOA members have secured a first-ever enterprise agreement covering Deputies, Control Room Operators and Undermanagers. In Queensland, members at Hay Point Coal Terminal have won the right to bargain for what could become the first stand-alone agreement for staff and supervisors in coal terminals, a right CSOA will defend as their employer appeals the decision. We are supporting hundreds of members across the industry as they engage in similar fights for both first time and replacement agreements.
At the same time, CSOA members are pushing back against the growing use of Guarantee of Annual Earnings, which strip away core Award protections. Too often, these arrangements leave workers exposed to excessive hours, unpredictable rosters and without the right to consultation or external dispute resolution. CSOA is actively fighting to protect its members hard-won industry standards through bargaining and advocacy.
Every worker deserves to come home safely. Stronger work health and safety laws mean mining staff and supervisors can face serious legal consequences after workplace incidents. CSOA members have peace of mind knowing they won't be left to face these risks alone as their membership provides them with access to industry knowledge, legal support and representation when they need it most.
CSOA members have access to member only resources, industry knowledge and support when they need it most. For many members, CSOA membership is more than just an individual safety net but a belief in what can be achieved when workers stand together. As workplaces and the industry continue to change, CSOA will continue to focus on ensuring members voices are heard.
