Strike cancelled after new deal
INDUSTRIAL action due to hit the Curragh coal mine near Blackwater in Central Queensland was shut down after unions and owners came to an agreement late on Friday.
Wesfarmers Resources kept negotiations rolling even as three unions - which formed a single bargaining unit - had members agree to start a week-long strike following long-standing discontent with its treatment.
The stoppage was due to begin on Monday and run until June 24, with Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union, Australian Manufacturers Workers Union and Electrical Trades Union workers walking off site.
It would have affected up to 400 of its 1100-strong workforce.
The company put contingency plans in place in case the action did hit its workforce, but a spokesman would not say what these were.
Unlike the battle between the unions and BHP Billiton projects that focus on rostering and safety issues, the Wesfarmers' dispute was fought over issues of housing and pay.
The unions will now take the proposed agreement to its workers in a workers ballot being held from June 25 to June 29.
If approved, it will be then be certified and put in place.
In a statement at 10am on Monday, corporate affairs manager Kent Beasley said Wesfarmers was happy the strike action had been withdrawn.
"Curragh believes this new agreement provides employees with industry-competitive wages and benefits while ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the business."
A representative for the three unions did not respond to a request for comment before publishing.
