Cline Mining Corporation T.CMK

BHP / Australia

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BHP negotiation with union s at Australia coal mines hit impasse

Tuesday, 13 Sep, 2011

Reuters reported that global miner BHP Billiton negotiations with unionised workers at its Queensland coal mines had

reached an impasse and the company will now move to have employees vote on an agreement at the end of this month.

Ms Fiona Martin BHP spokeswoman said "We believe we have reached an impasse in negotiations based on feedback from

the single bargaining unit that they were not prepared to compromise further on matters yet to be agreed."

She said "We are keen for employees to take the time in the coming weeks to review and understand the agreement in detail,

before the end of September ballot."

Union officials were not immediately available to comment.

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union is pushing for greater job security and more pay for its members as

rising commodity prices boost mining sector profits.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)