Dozens of miners at the Rix's Creek coal operation in the Hunter Valley have been barred from their workplaces after a bitter collapse in negotiations for a new enterprise agreement.
Lockout follows failed negotiations
The Mining and Energy Union confirms that workers arriving for their shifts found themselves locked out by mine operator Bloomfield Group. This dramatic escalation comes after union members overwhelmingly rejected what they described as a "backward" offer from the company just two weeks ago.
When negotiations resumed last week, talks broke down over a single sticking point, prompting union members to declare their intention to take protected industrial action. Workers had notified Bloomfield on November 4 of their plan to conduct multiple two-hour work stoppages throughout the week, with further action threatened through to November 15.
Company cites safety concerns
In an official statement, Bloomfield Group defended the lockout decision, expressing concern that safety could be compromised if employees returned to work unexpectedly. The company pointed to previous instances where union members had "returned to work without prior notice."
A company spokeswoman explained that "Rix's Creek has taken employer response action in the form of a lockout of those participating in protected industrial action." She emphasized that the lockout would only last for the same duration as the union's planned stoppages, stating it "will not impact MEU members any more than they have already committed to."
Union condemns "starve-them-out" strategy
Rix's Creek mine lodge president Mitchell Hill didn't mince words in his response, labeling Bloomfield's action as an "emotional overreaction" driven by "hurt pride." He accused the company of employing the same "starve-them-out strategy we've seen from day one."
"Our members came to the table prepared to negotiate, but Bloomfield's response was to slam the door shut and lock them out," Mr Hill declared. "But these miners won't be bullied, they'll stand as long as it takes to get a fair deal."
The union has called on Bloomfield to immediately lift the lockout and return to negotiations with a genuine offer that respects the workforce. This latest confrontation follows weeks of earlier strikes at the same mine last month, when workers rejected subsequent offers from their employer.
Meanwhile, Bloomfield continues to pursue its Rix's Creek North Continuation project, which includes plans to realign a four-kilometre stretch of the New England Highway at Camberwell. If approved, this extension could prolong the mine's operational life by an additional 14 years through to 2049.
