Six BMA coal mines will go on strike for more than 36 hours.
The Single Bargaining Unit has filed its intent to execute work stoppages at six of BMA’s mines this weekend, the CQ News reports.
Peak Downs will initiate stoppages on Saturday, downing tools for 12 hours before Blackwater, Gregory, Goonyella Riverside, Norwich Park and Saraji follow suit on Sunday night.
BMA Crinum coal mine is reportedly the only site that will continue operations.
Miners at the Crinum operation say it is due to a longwall cut and to not compromise safety standards.
CFMEU district head Steve Smuth said increased action reflects the attitude of the miners.
“These blokes are getting frustrated with how slow negotiations are going, and this way they can show just how frustrated they are,” he said.
While unions members will stop work for a minimum of 24 hours at each of the mines on Sunday, Saraji miners plan to strike for two and a half days.
Coal wash plants, shot firers and draglines run by union members will stop production and blasting.
“I call it controlled chaos but it reflects the escalating dispute between the SBU and the company,” he said.
“This is obviously the blokes expressing their opinions and the way they feel about it.
“At the end of the day, they are not happy with the negotiations and the longer it goes on, the more they express those opinions.”
Miners will return to work on Tuesday.