THE FINAL EDITION ®

CFMEU Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE Strong Union. Safer Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au www.ourjobs.org.au VOL 83 NO. 2

CFMEU Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE CFMEU COMMONCAUSE Mining and Energy Strong Union. Safe Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au VOL 77 NO. 5 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2011 www.cfmeu.com.au VOL 76 NO.4 AUG / SEP 2010 Coal miner Pilbara Union Revival Gavin Vickers conquers Everest

and takes our Union toto toptop ofof REGISTERED BY AUStTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025 thethe world!world! REGISTERED BY AUStTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025

General BHP Gillard Govt President spells humiliated announces it out way ahead as 92% reject will ratify ILO for Australia EA offer Mine Safety in national TV Convention

Inside debate REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025 Coal Services Protecting industry Coal Services is a Specialised Health and Safety Scheme proudly protecting the NSW coal mining industry and its workers for more than 90 years. We are a unique and trusted expert body providing preventative and responsive services. Managing health and safety is our business. With a collaborative model unlike any other worldwide, we are connected through a common purpose – to protect.

Contact Coal Services for more information www.coalservices.com.au General President Tony Maher Reports Coal bosses attacks highlight our Coal Services Protecting determination to fix Australia’s industry unfair Industrial Laws Coal Services is a Specialised Health and Safety Scheme proudly protecting the NSW coal mining industry and its he extent of the increasing protected industrial action strikes. This operations in Central Queensland are workers for more than 90 years. unfairness of Australia’s has included stoppages of up to 4-days still locked in drawn out negotiations on Tindustrial laws is vividly at a time, with the rank and file showing a new EBA as the company continues We are a unique and trusted expert body illustrated in a swag of industrial its determination by turning out in record to increase its use of casual labour and providing preventative and responsive attacks in our coal industry being numbers at mass meetings. attack miners rights and conditions at services. Managing health and safety is waged by powerful and cashed At issue is Glencore’s refusal to work. This is playing out as BHP, the multinationals like Glencore, BHP, negotiate in good faith to resolve world’s largest private mining company, our business. South32 and even newer players concerns over secure permanent jobs, announced a massive profit turnaround – like the Chinese Government-owned fair and equal terms and conditions for from a loss of US$6.4 billion in 2016 With a collaborative model unlike any subsidiary GRAM Australia. contractors, and fair redundancy pay, to a profit of US$5.9b in the year to other worldwide, we are connected In the following pages of this as well as Glencore’s increasing use of June 2017. Common Cause, these attacks are through a common purpose – to protect. casual contract labour. There’s no doubt that BHP can well clearly laid out in more detail but let The fact that Glencore can engage afford to give its workers a Fair Go but me paint an overview of the picture: in such a scorched earth policy against they won’t because they have an arsenal Glencore the workforce that is delivering massive of unfair industrial laws at their disposal revenue earnings show not only the to use in the greedy pursuit of ever Let’s start with Glencore, which has just contempt this multinational holds coal increasing profits at the workers and announced a new six-monthly mega mineworkers in, but also the unfairness community’s expense. profit as its revenue from its Australian of an industrial system that allows it to coal operations jumped from US$1.77 happen. Save Dave billion to US$3.1 billion in the last half- Common Cause readers will be familiar year. Despite this, Glencore is at war Cook Colliery and the with our Save Dave campaign, which has with our Union members at Oaky North Chinese Government mobilised great public support. South32, in Queensland and throughout eight The failure of our industrial laws are the spin-off from BHP that sacked Dave of its operations in the NSW Northern playing out in a disgraceful fashion at the McLachlan for leading a novel 10-minute District. Cook Colliery where some 200 miners undies protest at the Appin mine As this column goes to press, more have been told that they will only receive because of the company’s refusal to than 190 Oaky North miners in Central 52% of their legal entitlements with honour its agreement, has also weighed Queensland are enduring at least a the mine’s closure. The galling thing in with a huge $US 1.23 billion after-tax 51-day lockout for standing up for their about the Cook miners situation is that profit. Enough, you would think, to stop rights at work while the company is the closure is due to management’s persecuting Dave and his family. But continuing to operate the mine with incompetence earlier this year when South32 have instead chosen to exploit casual scab labour. the mine was inundated by water from Australia’s broken industrial system to They are being locked-out for the above castor seam, eventually keep Dave out of work since April this refusing to accept a proposed new pushing the operation into the hands of year. EA that would strip away 50% of Administrators. Despite this, in contrast What I have touched on here are working conditions. All the Oaky Creek to the plight of the mineworkers who are some disputes in our own coal industry miners had sought in the new EA was the victims of this, all management are that are the result of the unfairness of to roll over the existing agreement. to receive their full entitlements! Australia’s industrial laws. There are Glencore refused, insisting instead that Our Union is fighting this all the many other examples of massive rip- the workforce bow to its managerial way and you can read on page 5 how offs and ruthless exploitation, including dictatorship. Even when a company- we are taking the Cook miners fight cutting penalty rates, in the general controlled ballot resulted in 99% of the directly to the Chinese Government workforce. That is why our Union is in workforce voting against it, Glencore’s while Australia’s anti-worker laws and the front line of the united Trade Union Contact Coal Services response was to turn the screws even the Turnbull LNP Government collude to Movement’s fight to fix our IR system tighter on them. avoid solving such injustices. and restore fairness in the workforce. for more information In the NSW Hunter Valley, thousands And we won’t stop fighting until we get www.coalservices.com.au of our members at eight Glencore BHP a Federal Government in place that will operations are engaged in a series of Meanwhile, workers throughout BHP’s do so.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 3 General Secretary Andrew Vickers Reports A new era as rank and file votes to take our communications into the digital age

Union, I want to wish Paddy and his wife Elinor all the very best in their future. So now as we move from the print to the digital age, I want to encourage all our members to visit our website regularly and check out the news, videos and events reported there. Use your devices to join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You’ll not only be better informed but also proud of what the great people who make up our Union do on a regular basis. Finally, after 36-years as a full- time Union official I am retiring at the end of September this year. I have been honoured to serve as a Andrew laying down the law to the media during the 1986 Moura Disaster. Lodge Official and District Board of Management member; Queensland n a rapidly evolving media and bequeathed to us, including those who District President from 1981 to the communications landscape, have worked on and edited Common end of 2006; General Vice-President Ithe rank and file have endorsed Cause over the 97-years since it first from 2007 to 2009; and since then as our Central Council’s resolution appeared in March 1920. General Secretary of our Union. When to cease publication of Common On behalf of the Union I want to I entered the Industry at the end of Cause in print form and increase our pay tribute to those Common Cause 1971, I never imagined that I would emphasis on social media and other editors I have known and worked end up retiring as a National Official of this great Union. It has been a great digital forms. with throughout my life. I’m a third privilege to represent coal and metal In doing so, we are mindful of the generation coal miner and Common miners, energy and port workers, their wonderful role that Common Cause Cause has been an essential part of families and their communities and I has played as a printed publication my personal history. sincerely hope that the faith you have throughout the history of our Union I had the privilege of knowing most and of its primary role in keeping our of the talented journalists who edited displayed in me over all those years members informed, educated and Common Cause. Each and every one has proven to have been worth it. I organized. That role will now be played of them was totally committed and want to thank you all for the generous through our social media platforms on loyal to our Union. support you have given me on that our Website, Facebook Page and Twitter. From Edgar Ross (31-years as journey and wish you and your families The Union will continue to make Editor), to Len Fox (14-years on all the best into the future. sure that our members can best keep Common Cause, four of them as track of the important issues that form Editor), Pete Thomas (6-years as Common Cause is published by our industrial, community and political Editor) and Paddy Gorman (38-years Tony Maher for the Mining and campaigns through our digital media. as Editor). We are all better off for Energy Division of the Construction, We will also continue to press our having had the benefits of their talents Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). issues through the mainstream print working for our Union. and electronic media by ensuring the Paddy Gorman is the last print Editor: Paddy Gorman most effective use of the talented pool edition Editor and he is retiring when Contributing Editor: Alan Murray of CFMEU journalists and campaigners this final issue goes to print. I first met Phone: (02) 9267 1035 throughout the Union. Paddy in Central Queensland when he Web: www.cfmeu.com.au Our challenge today in a rapidly started in June 1979 and appreciate Designed & Printed by Breakout changing world is to build on the rich how much he has contributed to www.breakout.net.au historical legacy that our predecessors our Union. On behalf of the Phone (02) 9283 0123

4 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 Solidarity with the Cook miners. Pictured from left are: Craig Smith, Cook Lodge Some of our Cook Colliery Lodge members with Federal Labor President; Craig Shy, Cook CFMEU member; Queensland Labor Senator Lisa Leader Bill Shorten. Chesters; Jason Kemp, Foxleigh Lodge President, Darren Blackwood, Callide Lodge Secretary; and Glenn Power, Queensland District Vice-President. Why our Union is locking horns with the Chinese Government over our Cook Colliery members being ripped-off

ith up to 200 coal miners assistance in the matter to address inundation of water into 203 panel are at Cook Colliery facing the this grave injustice by one of its to receive their full entitlements. It is Wloss of millions of dollars subsidiaries. He has requested that an absolute disgrace that laws of this in their entitlements due to the the Ambassador receive a delegation country allow for such exploitation of ineptitude of management and from the Cook miners and their workers”, said Glenn. the greed of the mine’s owner, our families. At the time of going to “Framed any way you like, Union is taking the issue up to the press, the Union has not received a this is theft. All those entitlements Chinese Government! reply from the Ambassador. belong to families of the coal mine Our members at Cook Colliery “It is important for the Chinese workers who were employed at the in Central Queensland are directly Government to understand what is Cook Colliery. It is their money. It employed by Gram Australia, a being done in their name and to stop is akin to stealing money directly company that is a subsidiary owned this. The Government must take from their bank accounts or picking by the Chinese Government. ultimate responsibility for the action their pockets. It is wrong, plain and Queensland District Vice-President of its subsidiaries in Australia”, he simple”. Glenn Power told Common Cause that told Common Cause. Cook Lodge President Craig Smith due to management’s incompetence, Glenn Power pulls no punches on says a rough estimate shows that the the mine was inundated by water from the matter. shortfall the Chinese owners would the above castor seam earlier this “The flooding of the underground have to cover is around $15 million. year, eventually pushing the operation mine is the direct result of “This is not a huge sum for into the hands of Administrators. mismanagement at Cook Colliery the Chinese Government to fix the “Our members are employed by and it is our members who are injustice. On a broader scale, no Gram Australia and the Administrator coping the brunt of it. First, in foreign companies should be allowed says they will only receive 52% March 2017 our members were to operate in Australia and rip-off of their entitlements while stood down without pay and forced workers like this when things go management, who are employed by to use any accrued annual or long sour. other entities, will get 100%. It is a servive leave entitlements and now “I’m glad to be in a Union that disgrace and the buck stops at the the 200 or so mineworkers are fights for its members and while our end of the chain and that turns out to told by the Administrator that they Cook members are spread throughout be the Chinese Government, which face substantial loss of any monies the mining industry on labour hire and is probably totally unaware of what is owed for any outstanding accrued contract conditions, we will continue being done in their name”. entitlements, including Redundancy to back the Union’s pursuit of the Our Union’s General President payments. In the meantime, the Chinese Government to recover our Tony Maher has written to the management and staff who we full entitlements”, Craig Smith told Chinese Ambassador seeking his deem to be responsible for the Common Cause.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 5 Some of the Glencore rank and file at one of the Singleton meetings. Union members standing strong throughout Northern District’s Glencore mines

s this issue of Common Cause standard redundancy rates and hit out at the multinational for its goes to press, our Union attacking wage and living standards. arrogance, greed and tax-dodging. Amembers at eight Glencore “We have contracting members “The very workers who contribute to mines throughout the Northern that have been working at some Glencore’s swollen coffers are having District are standing strong and of their jobs for as long as five to their wages, conditions and job solid as the company doggedly six years and they are still in casual security eroded by this company. refuses to negotiate a fair new EA. positions. This is simply not good “Every Glencore worker in the This has resulted in a series of enough. Hunter Valley paid a higher tax rate protected industrial action strikes as “The rank and file at Glencore last year than their rich and powerful our members demand that Glencore mines have shown they are not multinational employer, yet they have negotiate in good faith to resolve prepared to cop this and with the full to strike for a fair agreement. concerns over secure permanent support of the Union we will fight “That such unfairness is jobs, fair and equal terms and this through to a fair end”, said Peter permitted in Australia today leaves conditions for contractors, and fair Jordan. absolutely no doubt that our industrial redundancy pay. As the campaign continues laws are broken. We will continue The rank and file’s determination in the Northern District, Glencore to fight Glencore for a Fair Go and has been well demonstrated at announced a huge billion dollar-plus we will continue to campaign with a number of mass meetings in revenue boost from its Australian coal the rest of Australia’s trade union Singleton, the latest in mid-August operations, most of which are in the movement to fix our broken industrial attended by over 1,400 members. Northern District. laws”, Grahame Kelly told Common High on the list for mineworkers District Secretary Grahame Kelly Cause. is Glencore’s increasing use of casual contract labour along with job security, redundancy rates, and a “miserable pay offer”. CFMEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Peter Jordan says the huge turnouts at the mass meetings showed the unity and determination of the rank and file to fight for a Fair Go at Glencore’s mines. “Glencore is abusing the use of MUA/CFMEU solidarity in the Glencore campaign. From left is our District President Peter Jordan, MUA Newcastle Branch Secretary Glenn Williams, Youth Committee President Jason Coppola, casual labour, threatening existing MUA Organiser Malcolm Lingard, our Union’s District Secretary Grahame Kelly and MUA Newcastle workers job security, refusing industry Assistant Branch President Dennis Outran.

6 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 Oaky North miners fighting for jobs and families as Glencore locks them out

n another stunning illustration Chris Brodsky’s view is of the unfairness of Australia’s shared by other Union leaders Iindustrial laws and how loaded throughout Australia. On a against workers they are, over 190 recent solidarity visit to Tieri miners are being locked out of their to support the Oaky North jobs by Glencore at its Oaky Creek miners and families, ACTU mine in Central Queensland. Secretary Sally McManus As this last issue of Common said: “Glencore may well be Cause goes to press, the Oaky North the most spectacular example miners in Central Queensland are of corporate greed and our Chris Brodsky on the Oaky North Picket Line memorial enduring at least a 51-day lockout for broken industrial rules in to Scabby the Rat, who the Commission ordered to be deflated and removed because it upset the scabs. standing up for their rights at work Australia”. while the company is continuing to In contrast to the damage operate the mine with casual scab Glencore’s scorched earth labour. approach is inflicting on the This is Glencore’s response for the people of Tieri, the Oaky Oaky North miners refusing to accept North workers have been a proposed new EA that would strip using their time off the Picket away 50% of working conditions and Line to assist the community. put the workforce at the mercy of “While the company is management’s dictates, despite the bringing in contractors to keep damaging effects this would inflict on the mine open, the miners are their families and the Tieri community. helping out at local schools, While the Oaky North miners shovelling sand and chip wanted to roll over the existing bark into community gardens agreement, Glencore refused insisting and cleaning up the Girls instead that the workforce bow to its Guides Hut. It’s clear who is managerial dictatorship. Even when a helping the community and company-controlled ballot resulted in who’s heartlessly threatening 99% of the workforce voting against them”, Chris Brodsky told it, Glencore’s response was to turn Common Cause. the screws even tighter on them. The ACTU’s Sally This lockout occurs as Glencore McManus made it clear that announced a new six-monthly while the union movement mega profit as its revenue from its would continue to rally in Australian coal operations jumped support of the Oaky North Oaky North miner Shaun Strang with wife Natalie and from US$1.77 billion to US$3.1 billion miners and their community, their newborn baby at the Picket Line. in the last half-year. we need a political change Queensland District Vice-President to achieve fairness in the in support of their constituents, Chris Brodsky told Common Cause: workforce. “Clearly, corporate greed the Oaky North miners and their “Glencore’s cash profit on every is out of control, and we need to community of Tieri. tonne of coal produced was around change the industrial rules to give “This is not a time for MPs to go 41%. This is a company awash in workers more power,” said the ACTU missing. They need to stand up for profits from coal that is flogging the Secretary. our communities and we will not let workforce that helped deliver the In the meantime, the Queensland them off the hook. They need to drive goods and taken a wrecking ball to District’s Senior Vice-President Mitch home to their parties that Australia’s their families and the Tieri community. Hughes is calling on local Federal industrial laws are broken and need to It beggars belief that this can happen and State LNP MPs to show some be fixed urgently”, Mitch Hughes told in Australia today”, he said. principle and stand up to Glencore Common Cause.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 7 Farewell, thank you and best wishes Paddy Gorman, Editor Common Cause Earlier this year toasting the good health of my great Comrade and Friend, Fred Moore.

ith this final issue of Common Cause, it is time Wfor me to say Thanks to all of you I have had the great privilege to meet and fight alongside throughout my 38-years at our Union’s National Office. During that time I have been fortunate to have met some of the best people I have ever known and as I embark on a new phase of my life I feel a great sense of gratitude for the kindness and support I have received from you and your families throughout mining communities in Australia. With Elinor, Jim and Mabel Comerford and Bob Hawke at the launch of Jim’s book Coal and Colonials. Being Editor of Common Cause has never just been a job to me, but a way such great and generous mentors has been the women in our mining of life. throughout my time and while most communities. They rarely get the As a young 27-year journalist not of them like Digger Murphy have public recognition they deserve, but I long arrived from Ireland, I won one of passed on, I am particularly grateful know of no dispute that we have ever life’s great lotteries in 1979 when the to Fred Moore and Bill Chapman, two fought that the mining women did not Miners Federation National Executive incredible miners leaders with whom I play a decisive role in. I have never gave me the opportunity to succeed still retain a special friendship. seen anything that compares to the the eminent Pete Thomas as Editor of Starting as a young Editor back resilience and compassion shown by the then weekly Common Cause. in 1979, I was lucky to be able to get mining women in the great tragedies I was very conscious of the great to know some of the Federation’s and loss of life that I have witnessed historical role that Common Cause legendary leaders who were at that in my time as Editor of Common has played in Australia’s history and time retired and since then some of Cause. The women have borne much of the esteemed labour movement the most outstanding leaders of our of the pain with great strength and journalists who had previously been modern era. Indeed, in my time I have character. They are the steel in the Editors – Norm Freehill, Edgar Ross, worked with three general presidents spine of our mining communities. Len Fox and Pete Thomas, the giants and six general secretaries and many I will always consider it one of the among them. District officials. great privileges in my life to have Throughout my years as Editor of Outstanding as some of them are, worked with so many outstanding Common Cause and in other areas of for me the most impressive feature of mining community women through media and campaigning, I have always our Union and its great strength are the Women’s Auxiliary, the Miners tried to live up to the high standards the rank and file delegates and their Support Groups and the Families they set and to earn the respect of the families that I have been associated Support Groups. membership of our great Union. with through decades of campaigning I shall also treasure my I have learned so much from the on the job, in our mining communities relationship with our retired members wisdom and courage of our Union and in political battles. who carry such great experience and members and their families too. I I have learned that an essential knowledge into their community work have been incredibly lucky to have strength of our Union’s fighting ability and support for our Union struggles.

8 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 Their readiness to fight for our shared values and principles remains an essential part of any successful campaign we have been involved in. The rights and conditions we have today are a direct legacy of what they won for us. I have seen many politicians come and go at a Federal and State level, in government and in oppositions. Only a very few who became MPs were working coal miners but they were the very best who served in Parliament. I am thinking particularly of Col Markham in NSW and Jim Pearce in Queensland – both underground coal miners before they entered Parliament and neither ever forgot for a single Elinor and I with our good friend and Comrade Gerry Adams in the Irish Parliament on our recent day where they came from. visit to Ireland. As I leave this role, I am still in awe of the courage and conviction District Officials. I am grateful for the My heartfelt thanks to the that characterises our members. The opportunities I have been afforded wonderful staff that I have worked sort of guts that sees you through by the current leaders Tony Maher so closely with in our National Office. bitter and lengthy industrial disputes and Andrew Vickers. They have Every one of them is a credit to our in the fight for a Fair Go. For having supported the expansion of our work great Union and we are lucky to have the pluck to never give up even in the into creative campaigning backing them. Thanks also to the staff in our face of attacks by some of the most ground-breaking videos like What Union’s various branches who have powerful and ruthless multinationals have the Unions Ever Done for Us? always been so helpful and pleasant. the world has seen. I am gobsmacked and Fair Go for Billionaires as well as I could never find the words to at your ability to never be cowered further enabling me to put together thank the best person I have ever when the odds seem impossibly a production team for documentary known, my wife Elinor, who has shared stacked against you and to stand with films like Lockout and Last Stand at every step of my journey with this you as we’ve seen it through. Nymboida. Tony and Andrew also Union for the past 25 years. Without But it is not just in industrial commissioned our historian Alan Elinor, it would have been impossible. disputes that our Union has taken Murray to bring our history up to Finally, in this last edition, I would the lead. In my time I have seen date with a trilogy of books covering like to wish retiring General Secretary this Union take on and beat the miners in the 1980s,1990s and from Andrew Vickers and his wife Margaret all powerful Fraser LNP Federal 2000-2015. and their family all the very best for Government in the great Tax Revolt of A special thanks to Stephen a long, happy and healthy life. To 1980 and again take on and beat the Smyth, Tim Whyte and Mitch Hughes Tony Maher, now the longest serving Howard Government at the height of for commissioning the feature length General President in the history of its power in the Oakdale dispute 1999. documentary film of the Queensland our Union, a sincere thanks for your It is easy to reflect nostalgically miners history, Blood on the Coal and support and best wishes in the great on the past and think that today’s to the Queensland District rank and challenges ahead in steering our workers are not made from the same file who voted overwhelmingly to Union into the future. tough stuff as their predecessors. fund it. Farwell and thanks to each and Sure there are differences, but we Most of these projects developed every one of you. It’s been a hell of a live in a different world. I know what from the work I was privileged to do ride but worth every bit of it. this generation of mineworkers and with Fred Moore their families are capable of because and Ray Harrison I have seen it first hand. For me, the in compiling the proud historic mantle that has been Miners Oral History passed by our predecessors to today’s Project that produced generations is in good hands. two books, At the I have no doubt that this Coalface and Back generation is up for the fight and as at the Coalface. This the CFMEU goes from strength to project would never strength through further unity with have got off the unions like the MUA, it will add to the ground without the great legacy our predecessors have full support of former given us. Miners Federation At the International Miners Organisation (IMO) Conference in Sydney By and large, our Union has been General Secretary 1987 with James Motlatsi, President of the South African Mineworkers served by outstanding National and Barry Swan. and Peter Heathfield, General Secretary of the British Miners.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 9 Sharkey (5th from left) with CFMEU delegates attending Rio Tinto’s AGM in 2014 to protest in support of workers rights. Sad loss of Pilbara Union giant A parting message from Dennis “Sharkey” Jones to our CFMEU members

ith the sad passing of Common Cause is privileged to the outpost, the frontier, isolated, Dennis “Sharkey” Jones publish it in full. fragmented by locations and shift Won 11 August, our Union arrangements but we are functioning has lost one of its greatest modern Dear members, successfully and proud. The tests and pioneers in WA’s Pilbara iron ore It is with a mixture of sadness and challenges faced by us were many. operations. Sharkey passed away great pride that I write my last formal They include: peacefully at home with his family communication to you all. As you • Reforming an official Lodge. at his side. may be aware I have been off work • Legally challenging and Our Union’s WA District Secretary for some time now and unfortunately repealing unlawful so called collective Gary Wood told Common Cause that there is no prospect of my return to agreements made under the guise of nobody had done more to help rebuild the workplace in the future due to the then new FWA. the Union in the Pilbara than Sharkey. illness. • Legally winning the right “He was a giant of a man in every Having said that, I’d like to part to collectively bargain our EA as way. He was wise, courageous and with some brief reflections on my operationally distinct employees in this strong. He never flinched in the face involvement with the CFMEU Karratha industry. of even the greatest challenges. His Lodge over the last decade. I’m sure This was all mostly done in greatest commitments were to his it would still be very clear to those the Courts BUT not without the family and his fellow workers. He will brave originals who came together unwavering support from the be missed but he has left a legacy that at the start and put in the efforts to members with the unanimous support we will all continue to benefit from”, organise and unite the workplace and for protected industrial action to back said Gary Wood. the reasons WHY. our position. This required patience On behalf of all our readers, Whilst very few from that and the discipline of 18-months of Common Cause expresses our era remain from a management delay action without which we would deepest condolences to Sharkey’s perspective today, it is still clear that not have broken the chains of the wife Lynne and sons Brett and some of those ideologies towards individual take-it-or-leave-it contract Andrew as well as his many fellow the workforce remains firm today and system. workers and friends. must not go unchallenged. Reaching the first collective Here is the unabridged letter The progress and history we agreement in nearly two decades that Sharkey wrote to farewell all have achieved together in this part of individual substandard workplace Union members that he requested be of the Pilbara has echoed across this arrangements was no small feat withheld until his affairs were finalised. great country. Rest assured we are and personally one of my proudest

10 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 moments of my time working beliefs and principles by my beautiful own sacrifices to the cause in their alongside you all in very testing times. family Lynne, Brett and Andrew. Over own way! But even back then, they, Moving onto the current EA, which the years Lynne has not just endured as now, understand the basics was originally presented directly to the rigours of raising a family under of fairness! employees without any input by us, our shift arrangements but carried As mentioned at the beginning I again proved our solidarity on the the burden so often to release me to am unable to return to the workplace ground with a resounding NO vote pursue the needs of the cause. We again. Most unfortunately, I am unable returned (correct you are allowed would not have made it anywhere to bid you farewell in person. to say no a poor EA). After many without her! I have one parting request – meetings across sites and with My two proudest achievements Please do not let the successes of the management an agreement was in life, Brett and Andrew Jones, have past decade slip by in vain and ask finally reached that gave us certainty grown into fine, principled upstanding yourself this: What type of workplace and the commitments from the young men (thanks Lynne). Taking on do I want to leave to my kids? company that we needed going into the role when they were just six and Cheers, the uncharted waters of automated eight year olds, they have made their Sharkey. operations. Having attended all the site discussions prior to and during the voting was on reflection a wonderful experience. So many varied views and emotional responses to the unknown! Fantastic debates but the importance of the discussions was clear that every member’s opinion and vote is and was as worthy of the next. I firmly believe that those following events and disputes since the 2014 EA are now, if not then, a validation of the support of this EA, which was vital in delivering the most secure outcome for ALL our members. Whilst still currently in place today, I am comfortable looking forward to the next negotiations to say that you WILL be challenged on a range of terms and conditions always demanded by the business. Time and Sharkey on left with WA District President Gary Wood. time again we have proven that, even with difference of opinion among the rank and file, if we stay focused on the key issues and ignore the school yard rumours, we have always reached our desired outcomes, which is to benefit us all – truly an extremely rewarding experience. One thing I would hope to leave the members with is that they have bore witness to time and again that despite any personally held opinions in regards to the issue or the personalities involved, that I have managed to act without fear, favour or personal gain, for that is what the role requires. From the carman’s ute to the footplate, from the District office to the National office, I could not respectfully name all I’d like to thank so, I cannot thank you all enough for your support of OUR Lodge. In closing, I must publicly recognise the love, support and understanding shown to me, my Sharkey pictured at the back celebrating the reforming of the Karratha CFMEU Lodge.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 11 Coal profits surging while bosses engaged in open warfare on mineworkers and families By Peter Colley, National Research Director

he more things change, the price decline, the cost-cutting sets in. It people or the big end of town. more they stay the same. When is suddenly a revelation that jobs levels There were very big jumps in Tlooking at the latest return to are too high and equipment utilisation technology in the 1950s and 1960s too, big profits in coal, this old French is poor. Jobs and capital budgets are but back then jobs actually increased proverb is partly right. But there are slashed. and so did incomes. The end of “typing long-term trends afoot. So what is different this time pools” in the 1980s as word processors In mid-August BHP, the world’s around? and then computers entered offices did largest private mining company, Firstly, each decade since the not result in mass unemployment or announced a massive profit turnaround 1980s has seen big push-backs in worse pay for women. – from a loss of US$6.4 billion in 2016 the rights of workers and unions to Thirdly, there are the big and to a profit of US$5.9b in the year to negotiate for a fair deal. While the permanent changes underway in June 2017. While iron ore continues wages and rosters may improve technologies for power generation. to be the biggest money-spinner with in response to temporary labour While metallurgical coal for after-operating-cost free cash flows of shortages, the changes to industrial steelmaking will be around for a long US$9b on revenues of US$14.6b, coal laws have shifted significantly in time to come, thermal coal for power also came roaring back. Queensland favour of the bosses for decades. So generation is under profound challenge coal had free cash flow of US$3.3b on now we see both increasing levels of from renewable energy. There are revenue of US$6.3b (2016 free cash contracting out, and higher levels of signs that world coal production, which flow: US$0.6b), while NSW coal had casualisation. Not to mention non- is mostly thermal coal (unlike Australia, US$0.6b on revenue of US$1.4b (2016 union collective agreements. It is which is half met. coal) has peaked and free cash flow: US$0.13b) harder for unions to be active onsite, may be in decline. Australia may have a The BHP full-year result follows and harder for workers to strike or relative advantage over other countries Glencore’s recent half-year result, otherwise assert their rights. in terms of coal quality and efficiency, which also had coal back in high profit As the Australian union movement which enhances our prospects in the territory. Glencore’s free cash flow more broadly says, the system is medium term, but the signs are there. from Australian coking coal turned broken and needs fixing. Renewable energy has a reliability around from a loss of US$38m to profit Secondly, automation and remote problem, but the technologies are of US$338m, while Australian thermal operations are changing the face of coming that will address that. coal roughly tripled from US$354m to mining. It is the very largest hard rock For the moment, the higher prices US$996m. mines (in Australia’ case, Pilbara iron for both coking and thermal coal have The simple story is that higher ore) that are being affected most, company profits in very good form. coal prices have been back since mid while the impact in coal mining is These higher prices were unexpected 2016. And the companies have been slower as the mines are smaller and and no one knows how long they will engaging in savage cost-cutting across the technicalities and hazards of mining last. But we do know that many casual the workforce since the end of the coal are greater. But it is happening. mineworkers have had their wages Resources Boom in 2012. While automation and artificial cut and no job security while many The top managers raking in the intelligence will transform every permanent workers are battling for million dollar pay packets will say it is industry, not just mining, what wage increases. This is reminiscent down to their effective management. determines the impacts on workers of where the coal industry was back But the cycle and the management are how the benefits are distributed. before World War II. approach pretty much mirrored the Yes certain types of jobs will go and Within Australian mining more last big boom and bust in the 1990s. workers will have to adapt. But there broadly, and indeed across all It was just bigger. As prices went up, will be new economic activities and industries, the continuing battle is the management push was to produce new jobs. What determines whether around workplace rights and a fair more without paying attention to costs. those jobs are good or bad, and pay deal. Only with good workers rights On the investment side, both the big well or terribly, and whether some are we able to ensure that the coming players and the speculators sought to people are forced to work long hours challenges are managed in our bring on more marginal mines. while others are unemployed, is about interests rather than those of the With the end of the boom and the whether society prioritises working Top 1%.

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Into the fray – early days of the miners’ newspaper By Alan Murray

or almost 100-years, Common Cause has chronicled the trials Fand triumphs of life at the coalface. It has reported the disasters that have claimed thousands of lives and injured tens of thousands more. It has told of the diseases that have made men old before their time. And it has laid bare the mass sackings and the hardships that have reduced mining communities to poverty and near starvation. There have, however, been stories of great triumphs in the struggles to secure pension entitlements, long service leave, penalty payments, shorter working weeks, protection against vindictive dismissals, strengthened health and safety provisions. Five years after the 1915 formation of what became a national union – The Miners’ Federation – for coal and shale workers, Common Cause was established. This was a time when sections of organised labour, in and well beyond Australia, were convinced that workers everywhere would join The first edition of Common Cause dated March 19, 1920 together to fight and conquer the excesses of organised capital and who wanted cheap and compliant There was no shortage of readers dynastic privilege. If the Russians labour and the absolute right to who were happy to pay a few pence could topple the Tsar, the workers, dismiss workers as and when this for papers and periodicals like Labour united in a common cause, could suited the pursuit of ever-increasing Call, Australian Workman, Australian shape a new and better world order. profits. Worker, Brisbane Worker, Westralian Appearing for the first time on Common Cause said it was born Worker, Direct Action, The Collectivist, 19 March 1920, Common Cause of the working class and it would fight Knowledge and Unity, The Queensland declared that as the voice of Miners the battles of the working class. Communist, Labour Vanguard. Federation members, it would have a In taking this position, the journal By the mid-1930s most of no-nonsense agenda. It said it would was not alone. In the three decades these publications had folded or not bend the knee to the twin demons up to the 1930s, Australia was home were struggling to survive at a time of greed and exploitation embraced by to a thriving socialist and labour- when Common Cause was, after a the captains of commerce and industry leaning press. boisterous and troubled start 15 years

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earlier, building its reputation as the Freehill was an astute choice. who knew nothing of the “class sharp tongue of a union that was As Secretary of the Queensland struggle” to pave their way to confident of its place and its influence District of the Australian Journalists’ enlightenment. in the vanguard of organised labour. Association he had highly-developed More than a year would elapse Indeed, Common Cause said it was administrative skills as well as a before the second edition of Common only the miners and their Federation clear understanding of newspaper Cause was published under the who really knew the “employing production. He was regarded by his editorship of Norman Freehill. The class” and the lies told by that class. peers as an “active and far-sighted” reason for the delay in the publication No section of the working class professional. of the second edition is unclear had suffered more than the miners, He had a strong belief in the although it is known that some within Common Cause claimed. value of formal vocational training for the Federation membership loudly The Federation’s pick for the journalists who, at that time, were expressed a view that money spent position of inaugural editor of generally “trained on the job.” His on a stand-alone Common Cause, Common Cause in 1920 was Norman views also found expression in his during a time of rising unemployment, Freehill. He had changed his name unwavering support for the Workers’ would be better spent on a low cost from Freeburg during the years of Educational Association (WEA) Federation supplement within the the First World War when there was, although, paradoxically, he was highly existing and established Labour Daily in Australia and throughout the then critical of universities, seeing them newspaper. British Empire, open public hostility as bastions of white, male, middle- Freehill disagreed and won the towards any with “German or Jewish- class privilege. He was particularly day. sounding” names, regardless of their dismissive of the University of The Common Cause masthead religion or place of birth. In Townsville, Queensland, which had administrative was resurrected and was produced, North Queensland, the name of oversight of the WEA. under Freehill in 1922 and 1923 until, suburban German Gardens was Workers, Freehill proclaimed, in 1923, Samuel A. Rosa took on the changed to Belgian Gardens. needed no self-serving academics role of managing editor until 1924.

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Like Freehill, Rosa was a firebrand relentless in their campaigns to cut Rosa subsequently pursued activist campaigner. Unlike Freehill, Rosa wages and resist any measures that roles within the industrial Left. believed that the only value in would improve working conditions. The relationship between the vocational training – for journalists in Certainly, some Federation members FederationSec1i and the AWU Labour Daily particular and workers in general – said, it was a fact that miners interests was not a match made in was if it increased the thickness of the elsewhere were locked in bitter and Heaven. Almost from the start, the pay packet. sometimes bloody struggles with Federation saw itself as little more This attitude is surprising in a man mineowners. But they weren’t alone than a cash cow to be milked by who was well-read, highly articulate, in their attempts to have employers Labour Daily. self-educated and had published provide pit-head bath houses and Eventually, in 1935, the some readable fiction. Further, Rosa mothball mines that were prone to Federation, under the leadership of had corresponded with Russian flooding, roof collapses and deadly Charlie Nelson and Billy Orr set out to literary giant Leo Tolstoy and had gases. rebuild the Union from the devastation been, during time spent in the United To a significant degree, the inflicted on the coalfields throughout States, a member of the Knights journalistic style of editors Freehill Australia by the Great Depression. of Labour and the Socialist Labor and Rosa was out-of-step with the They were the first members of the League. nuts and bolts aspirations of many of Communist Party of Australia to be He did, nevertheless, display an those at the coalface. Yet Freehill and elected as national union leaders in at times patronising view of ordinary Rosa had their own strong supporters Australia. workers. While they might well be among sections of the rank-and- A vital part of rebuilding the the salt of the earth, they were there file. These supporters approved of Miners Federation was the re- to be led by “scientific socialists” like the hard line embraced by the two. establishment of Common Cause as a Rosa. Nothing short of revolution would national newspaper. Under Nelson and A consequence of this view was suffice. The Red Flag must, inevitably, Orr, the Miners Federation resolved that under his stewardship, Common fly over Australia. to split with Labour Daily and re- Cause devoted more and more By mid-1924 it was obvious that launch Common Cause as the weekly column centimetres to international Freehill and Rosa were splitting newspaper that spoke for miners and events. Commendable as this might the Federation into two camps – their communities. have been, many readers of the the champions of a stand-alone The man recruited to edit the publication were not enthralled by Common Cause and those who said publication was Edgar Ross, a lengthy reports on the perceived the publication should become a Communist journalist working in paradise that was the Soviet Union. supplement within the AWU-backed Broken Hill. Ross remained at the Nor was there an obvious interest in Labour Daily. helm until 1966. He was succeeded industrial unrest on Belgian, French The very real danger of such a split by Len Fox between 1966 and and British coalfields ... or racism alarmed Federation leaders. A split 1970 and by George Mortensen under the colonial powers, the spirit of would destroy those leaders and a between 1970 and 1973. In 1973, Soviet womanhood and the “evils of divided union would be cast into the Pete Thomas began an editorship the Capitalist Press.” industrial abyss. that lasted until 1979. From 1979 What most Federation members In August 1924, the Federation’s to the present, Paddy Gorman has wanted was coverage of immediate leadership opted for the Labour Daily filled the editorial chair. Significantly, matters on the Australian coalfields supplement option. The involvement in the almost century long history of and within mining communities. They of Freehill and Rosa in the supplement Common Cause all the Editors, with wanted to know how their Federation was brief. The Federation wanted the exception of Mortensen, were was taking on mine owners who were them gone. Cut loose, Freehill and Communists.

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The rebirth of Common Cause from the ashes of the Great Depression By Alan Murray

he re-appearance of the In his first Common Cause to take the fight to employers on the miners’ newspaper in 1935 editorial, Ross said the return of the vexed issues of adequate pensions, Tsaw the start of the 31-year newspaper as a stand-alone title retirement for miners at the age of 60 Common Cause editorship of Edgar marked the return of the Federation years, regular health screening for the Ross. He proved to be a good fit for as the spear-tip of organised and deadly Black Lung disease. the task at a time when the socially articulate labour. He expressed dismay It is fair to say that Ross – and economically debilitating effects that as a supplement within Labour nicknamed “The Commissar” by of The Great Depression still afflicted Daily, the effectiveness of Common some members – exercised more Australia. Cause had been diminished. It influence on the Federation than Born in 1904, Ross was the son was now time to “popularise” the Freehill and Rosa. He was better of a newspaper family. At school he miners’ publication as the voice of the educated than those who went before excelled, passing his senior year Federation and its members. him. He was an impressive and with flying colours in English, French, Under his editorship, Ross persuasive speaker and he was an chemistry, music and history. promised, the paper would be a accomplished and lucid writer. Had he opted for a University weapon for miners to press their The outbreak of World War Two education, there is no reasonable legitimate claims for a bigger share in 1939 saw Common Cause – and doubt that he would also have of the wealth their labour created, by extension, the Union – placed in excelled in tertiary studies. Instead, he for secure and safer jobs and for a difficult position. The perceived opted for, and completed, a journalism recognition of their massive material “paradise” that was the Soviet Union cadetship. contribution to the well-being of the had signed a non-aggression pact By the age of 21, he had secured nation. The abolition of capitalism and with Hitler’s Germany. To many in a position on the staunchly Left-wing its replacement by “social ownership” Australia this made Communist Russia Barrier Daily Truth. During those was the only just and sensible way an enemy of Britain and Empire. It Broken Hill years he gained for himself forward. Surely that wasn’t difficult followed that any organised labour a reputation as a young man who to accept. support for the Soviets was tacit would never take a backwards step. In promoting the abolition of support for Hitler. Aged 31, he left the bush capitalism, Ross avoided the carping In was not until 1941, when for Sydney and the Federation’s tones of Freehill and Rosa. His tone Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, that newspaper. was encouraging, persuasive. He Britain and Empire identified the Ross, in several respects, was made sense to his readers. It was Soviets as allies in the battle against cast in the mould of Freehill and Rosa. obvious, capitalism had to go. Just totalitarianism. The Soviet leader, All three were men of the militant look at what the Russian workers had Stalin, almost overnight went from Left. All three had been active in the achieved. There could be a paradise being reviled as a cruel and ruthless broad Union movement, particularly on earth. dictator to being the pipe-smoking in the affairs of the Australian In his first four years as Editor, “Uncle Joe” who was routinely Journalists’ Association. All three Ross gradually positioned himself pictured smiling and patting children were vehemently Marxist. as more than the man with his hand on the head. However, Ross was the most on the helm of Common Cause. Communism, for the duration of astute of the three. He understood He became a policy-shaper within hostilities, was no-longer the enemy. that a successful newspaper had to the Federation’s elected leadership, Australian miners would be used to serve the interests and aspirations of routinely advising – and expecting fuel the nation during the dark days its readers. his advice to be heeded – on tactics of war.

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Indeed, as Germany was invading Russia, coal miners in Australia became the first blue collar workers to secure the right to a pension and retirement at the age of 60. Perhaps the Australian Government and the employers – in conceding these rights – had accepted that this was no time to pick a fight with those at the coalface. Regardless, this did not prevent Edgar Ross from pursuing, in Common Cause, a thundering campaign for further improvements for workers on the coalfields. He said the miners and their communities had endured great hardships through the 1920s and 1930s. Now, even as war raged, they were entitled to a better deal. It was an argument that did not find widespread support in Australia. Husbands and fathers and sons and brothers in their tens of thousands had been mobilised for active service. Didn’t the miners understand that this was no time to ask for more? Who did they think they were, Oliver Twist? Worse was to come when, during the war, Ross was instrumental in asserting in Common Cause that the miners had been patient for far too long. Direct action was the only way ahead. The miners went on strike. The reaction from the mainstream media was swift, savage and predictable. The soldiers, sailors and airmen being sent to distant shores couldn’t just down tools and say they wanted better rations or more comfortable beds – and, by the way, they wouldn’t say no to better pay with a few beers and extra cigarettes thrown in for good measure. Suitably chastened, Common Cause and the Federation backed off. They would put their claims on hold until the war was won. Fine, the Federal Government said, we’ll sort things out then. When the time came, the Government did no such thing, it reneged. Eventually, in 1949, the miners, tired of waiting, embarked on a national strike. This was a gift to the then Chifley Federal Labor Government that was struggling to put an end to internal divisions – partly on sectarian lines and partly because of sharp philosophical differences between Right and Left factions within the Australian Labor Party. Some past adverts from Common Cause.

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Electricity was rationed, homes were plunged into darkness, factories and workshops were closed – all of these actions served to reunite a divided Australian Labor Party. Cracks were papered over but not well enough covered over to prevent the Labor Government being cast from office into the political wasteland until 1972. When the 1949 national strike ended, Common Cause noted that the conflict had not been in vain. The miners and their Union had negotiated a consolidation of pension and retirement benefits. They had secured long service leave, improved pay for some types of work, and the preservation of seniority provisions that protected long-serving unionists. A relatively recent ABC TV drama made much of the perceived influence of Ross during the 1949 coal strike. He was portrayed as a manipulating and faceless Communist who bent the leadership of the Federation to his will, a man determined to topple the Australian Government and fly the Red Flag above Sydney Harbour Bridge. This proposition has two fundamental flaws. The elected leadership of the Federation in 1949 was not comprised of easily cajoled or bullied officials. And Ross, in retirement and well before the TV drama was produced, said the Communists in Australia in 1949 did not have the capacity to topple the Federal Government. Rather, a primary sector was moving towards the first decades of the Federation. Union hope at the time was that the becoming the world’s largest He understood that if a Union didn’t Australian Labour Party could be producer of seaborne export coal. tell its own story, that story would shifted further to the Left and reborn. By the late 1960s and the early inevitably be written by others. For more than 30 years under 1970s, Queensland’s Bowen Basin Those who followed Ross as Ross, Common Cause developed as had been opened up to mining. Editor were also aware of this reality. the major journal of organised labour Where before there had been Taking a lead from Edgar, Pete in Australia. Membership aside, nothing but scrub to the west of The Thomas penned an impressive series the weekly publication’s readership Great Dividing Range, new towns of books that chronicled the lives and included employer and employer were appearing, schools and sporting times of miners in the 1970s and also groups, academics and institutional fields were being built, houses the history of Queensland miners. investors in Australia and overseas. became homes. This awareness of the importance These groups saw Common Cause as The Federation’s membership of history would have a profound a window on the Federation’s policies grew as the new mines opened. effect on how the stories of the and aspirations. Common Cause became essential miners and their communities have During the Ross years, the reading in the crib room and at the been told in more recent times under publication reported on the breakfast table. the stewardship of Paddy Gorman transformation of the coal industry. A In retirement, Edgar Ross wrote through the 1980s to the present previously largely domestic orientated what remains the best history of time.

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Hidden treasures – bringing the legends and their stories to life By Alan Murray

ver the years of its existence, Common Cause has done Omuch more than chart the life and times of the Union and its members. It has delivered a motherlode of material that, well into the future, will provide rich pickings for social and labour historians and researchers. It has, too, given voice to generations of miners who lived through The Great Depression, the bitter industrial confrontations and the growing pains of an industry that has contributed greatly to the continuing Australian story. That voice, particularly during the last three decades under Paddy Gorman’s stewardship, has not been confined to the pages One reader, a widow whose late employer Lockout that saw the police of the publication. In more recent husband featured in Back at the fatally shooting 29-year-old miner times the stories on the pages of Coalface, said at a social gathering Norman Brown at Rothbury Colliery Common Cause have been re-born at Dapto: “Because of that book, my in the Hunter Valley of New South in books, films, and presentations grand-daughter now knows what sort Wales. Police bullets also wounded at international mining history of man her grandfather was.” scores of other miners. conferences in France, the United Other books that have emerged In later life, Jim Comerford served States and Britain. from the pages of Common Cause as a senior elected official of the Singularly valuable have been the – supported by the Union and Federation, holding the positions well-reviewed At the Coalface and The Mineworkers’ Trust – have of Northern District President and Back at the Coalface volumes, both included the historical trilogy I was General Secretary of the Union. A of which went into three editions privileged to be commissioned to slightly-built man, Scots-born Jim and are now collectors items. These write: Holding the Line, Storm and was, too, a regular contributor to books have revealed the extraordinary Tempest and On the Edge, volumes Common Cause. stories of the courage and the that examined the decades from the Internationally-acclaimed determination and the quiet dignity of 1980s to 2015. documentary films have come in the members of the Miners Federation Additionally, there has been the wake of the initial Coalface books. and the Women’s Auxilliary. Few, if extensive written work of the late Jim The Federation’s television any, who read these stories were left Comerford who, as a pit boy, lived documentary Lockout, screened on unmoved. through the 15-month long 1929-1930 the History Channel in Australia and

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overseas, received several awards when it Some of our treasures was featured as an official selection at film festivals in Australia, the United States, BOOKS Asia and Europe. It was also screened at prestigious mining history conferences in the United States and Britain. Similarly acclaimed have been the recent Blood on the Coal and Last Stand at Nymboida documentaries, which, between them have won an astonishing 30 international film awards. Common Cause editor Paddy Gorman was Executive Producer and co-writer with Director Jeff Bird of both these films. Without Common Cause and its

treasure trove of information, there Back At The Coalface ray Harrison is a life-long Fred Moore worked all his miner who served in the RAAF during At the Coalface – What they said life in the mines. He served as a rank the Second World War. Ray’s career and file union leader at a lodge, district spanned metalliferous mining in Mt Isa and national level and also represented and Captain’s Flat, tin mining in Tasmania, Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia Back At The Coalface the Miners’ Federation at ACTU and gold mining in Mount Morganwould and Fiji, have been no impetus for these international conferences. He is the only uranium mining in Radium Hill and coal “When you finish reading this book, you have a better understanding of, and pride in, the Australian character. The idea of the “fair go” is, I believe, member of the Miners’ Federation to mining in the NSW Northern District still the essence of that character. And, again, what you have indelibly imprinted in your heart and mind when you put this book down is that the Volume 2 of the Australian Coal Miners Oral History have been awarded Life Membership before he settled in the NSW Southern “fair go” syndrome sprang from the mines and workplaces and not the boardrooms of Australia”. of the Union while still working. His coalfield in 1961 where he worked at Nebo, Old Bulli and pioneering work with the Aboriginal community earned him the South Bulli before retiring in 1982, aged 60. Raydocumentaries. assisted unique honour of initiation into the Jerringa Tribe where today Fred Moore in conducting all the interviews that comprise the Bob Carr, former Premier of New South Wales he sits with the Tribal Elders. He is the only white person to be oral histories contained in this book and volume one of At the made a Life Member of the Illawarra Aboriginal Community. Coalface. “At the Coalface is a book to be read with both pride and humility. It is a history that must be told, that must be put on the record. Future He is also the only mineworker alive who has been made an generations must know what happened, because it says a lot about what humans tolerate, what humans are capable of doing and why certain honorary member of the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary. In further alan Murray Is a historian who Sinceorganisations 2009, are necessary. This is anthe indispensable storybook”. of Common recognition of his services to the community, Fred Moore has written on miners and their families has also been awarded Life Membership of the following for more than 30 years. His work has organisations: NSW South Coast Trades and Labor Council; examined the plight of workers during the Jennie George, MP, former President Australian Council of Trade Unions the May Day Committee; the Dapto Swimming Club; the 1930s in North Queensland, the turbulent Miners’ Brass Band; and the NSW Combined Pensioners and early years of Common Cause, the battles Cause and“At the Coalface theis an invaluable storiesaddition to the industrial and socialof history Australian of the Australian Labour Movement. The first hand accounts in this Superannuants Association. Fred retired from the coal mining fought by miners and their union during book stretch back to the 1880s and they are told from the hearts of the pioneering men and women who endured incredible hardships to build a industry in 1982 at the age of 60. In addition to his role as the The Great Depression and the struggles to fair and decent society. They are stories told with compelling honesty, humour and wit. For those who wish to understand the proud legacy of the main interviewer for the oral history, Fred has assisted in the improve health and safety at the coalface. collection of photographs and in the correcting of the drafts for Alan has also worked on the development and scripting of Australian Trade Union Movement, At the Coalface is essential reading”. this book and the original volume one of At the Coalface. Lockout, a powerful television documentary oncoal the 1929-30 miners have featured in keynote NSW Northern miners Lockout. In close collaboration with is editor of Fred Moore and Paddy Gorman, Alan worked on the editing John Iremonger, former Academic Publishing Director, Allen & Unwin, Australia’s largest independent publisher Paddy GorMan Common Cause, the national magazine of

and presentation of the stories for this second volume and Moore • Gorman Harrison Murray Kruse “This generous book lets the reader ‘hear’ the voices of the people who really were ‘at the coalface’. The result is a wonderfully immediate the CFMEU’s Mining and Energy Division, a also provided additional historical material. sense of what was involved (and still is) in winning coal. I hope the book reaches lots of people, including those beyond the industry”. position he has held since 1979. He is the presentations at The American Mining author of Weipa – where Australian unions anne Kruse (Harvey) drew their “line in the sand” with CRA. He Since working on At The Coalface, Dr Jim Macken, Author and former Industrial Judge is a former editor of the national magazines Anne has completed her MA in Creative “This book will act as an inspiration to all workers. Recent successful dispute outcomes have revived the spirit of unionism and the long union The Modern Unionist and The Irish Arts at Wollongong University. Her Voice and as a journalist he has worked work for the degree was a play The tradition of heroic struggle. Every worker reading this book will have a favourite story, but every time a different tale touches the heart and stirs for several unions, including the Seamen’s Union and the Percussionist dealing withHistory a group of Conference in Creede, Colorado, the spirit”. Building Workers Industrial Union. As the Oral History Project Australian characters and their reactions Director, he is responsible for every aspect of its development, to the events of 1989 in Eastern Europe. By Fred Moore, Paddy Gorman and Ray Harrison with Alan Murray and Anne Kruse including the production of this book and volume one of She is now working on a novel. As a At the Coalface, which he also edited. Paddy has edited playwright and director she has worked in mainstream theatre several books on mining history and has been involved in the and community theatre. Her play, I’ll be in on andthat, a history the International Mining History production of a number of documentaries on mining issues, of the Australian trade union movement (now, in need of a including Lockout - The story of Australia’s most violent serious update), was performed in the late 1970s and 1980s industrial conflict. throughout Australia, Britain and the United States with one particularly memorable performance in the Welsh mining town of Ammanford. Anne contributed to some of theCongress stories for at Redruth in Cornwall. this volume. Elsewhere, the stories of Australian miners, their publications and their Union have been told at the prestigious Lewarde Colloquium held every two years at DOCUMENTARY FILMS the French National Mining Museum in Northern France. The Colloquium attracts mining historians and other academics from across Europe, North America and China. These presentations have served to underscore to an international audience the truth of the Common Cause proposition that when it comes to telling the unvarnished tales of miners and their communities, nobody does it as well as the miners and their communities.

20 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 This last issue of Common Cause is the end of a proud era in our Union The last three Editors of Common Cause, from left: Paddy Gorman, Len Fox and Pete Thomas. By Barry Swan, Former Miners Federation General Secretary*

or those of us who have come of solidarity for which the Miners Common Cause Editors also to appreciate the valuable Federation was famed! understood that the Miners Federation Finformation asset that was When in 1982/3, my mentor and leadership was at all times answerable Common Cause; the demise of this valued comrade General President absolutely to the membership. With great publication is a cause for great Bob Kelly and I set about restoring this in mind, successive Editors regret. For nearly one hundred years, the image of Australian coal miners ensured any information published Australian coal miners have been and the Miners Federation on the was correct in every detail. And it was able to rely upon their aspirational international stage, Common Cause this appreciation of the role of the goals being clearly articulated and was essential to the articulation of publication as an organiser, educator well served by Common Cause. that task. Common Cause enabled and agitator along with its absolute While we cannot deny social media the membership to tell the world of commitment to the credibility of its is currently the preferred mode their successes in securing through material that made Common Cause of communication over the print solidarity, and at times sacrifice, respected not only throughout the medium; due to social media’s world’s best conditions of employment Australian trade union movement but technological advantages such as, and health and safety! internationally as well. speed of delivery, only time will tell Common Cause has had a Personally, I am greatly saddened if it can ever match the integrity distinguished line of top quality by the decision to cease publication and quality of publications such as journalists who served as Editors. They of Common Cause but I understand Common Cause. were skilled in the use of the language economic imperatives brought about It was on 19 March 1920 that and its structure. Along with many the decision taken. the Miners Federation undertook to children in coal mining communities, As a former General Secretary trial a weekly issue of its publication, I found Common Cause invaluable of the Miners Federation, I am also privileged to have this opportunity to Common Cause. By July of 1921, not only for its news and information say farewell to Common Cause – a Common Cause had become a weekly content but also for what it taught coal industry and trade union icon that publication with Norman Freehill as me about the best use of the English for over nine decades has at all times Editor. It was to eventually become language. served Australian coal miners so well. recognised as the world’s longest, Personally, I was extremely continuously produced weekly On a personal level, I would like to fortunate and privileged to have had publication by a trade union directed at wish outgoing Editor Paddy Gorman all the opportunity, both as a miner and serving the needs of a special class of the best in the future. After 38-years then later as General Secretary of the workers – Australian coal miners. at the helm of Common Cause, Paddy Miners Federation, to learn from and Born into a coal mining family is retiring from the national office. I work with Common Cause Editors of the Illawarra, with both my would also like to thank Paddy for the Edgar Ross, Len Fox, Pete Thomas grandfathers, my father, brother and decades of Comradeship he so freely and Paddy Gorman. All of those men extended family either working or shared with me and for the generosity, having worked in the coal industry, were dedicated toward assisting the support and advice he gave to me the weekly edition of Common Cause elected leadership of the Federation in during my tenure as General Secretary played a pivotal role in my education; their task of prosecuting and securing of the Miners Federation. scholastic and political. the aspirations of their membership. Like most other coal mining Common Cause Editors by dint of * Barry Swan served as Miners Federation General Secretary from 1982 to 1988. families of my era, Common Cause their journalistic experience and class background, understood the democratic He then represented all coal industry was much more than just a weekly employees as the coal industry workers industrial chronicle; it provided an structure of the Miners Federation. It Member on the Joint Coal Board from1988 essential communication link between is a structure that enabled the to1998. With the Miners Federation being each and every coal miner in each aspirations of the rank and file to be one of the founders of the International put forward for consideration by the Miners Organisation (IMO) Barry also and every mining district of Australia, served as Vice-President of the International which ensured “that an injury to one entire membership and, if endorsed, to Miners Organisation (IMO) from 1984 being an injury to all” – the bedrock become Federation policy. to 1988.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 21 Fred with MUA veterans who were active with him in the struggle for Aboriginal rights. From left: Bobby Gallaghan, Painters and Dockers; Harry Black, Wharfies; Fred; and Bill Langlois, Seamen’s Union. FRED MOORE – a life dedicated to workers struggles, Aboriginal rights and against racism By Alan Murray

hrough the years of the mid- happening with Apartheid in South Australians,” Fred said. “Our Union 1950s to today, Common Africa ... so it didn’t make sense if, at was in the forefront of helping TCause is one of the few the same time, they didn’t take up the bring about change for the better. It Australian publications that loudly cudgels for Indigenous Australians,” wasn’t too long before other unions and consistently stood shoulder-to- Fred said. “You couldn’t keep what and the South Coast Trades and shoulder with the traditional keepers was happening here at arm’s length. Labour Council were backing what of the land in their struggles to be People were treated very badly and our Federation was doing. The First recognised and respected as the some were living in terrible conditions. Australians had organised labour on First Australians. The publication has It was a disgrace any way you care to their side. been an articulate critic of racism, look at it.” “The likes of Aunty Mary and including the Apartheid regime in For Fred, taking up the cudgels Aunty Dolly came to the fight with South Africa. meant an early involvement in the nothing except a knowledge of Often the face of protest was campaigns of the 1950s that resulted hardship and fear ... fear that their NSW South Coast miner and one of in the 1967 referendum that, in the children would be taken away ... fear the most respected figures in the longer term, paved the way for the that they’d have to live in cars and history of the Miners Federation, Fred successes of the Aboriginal Land sheds and on riverbanks and reserves Moore. Rights Movement. Taking up the for the rest of their lives. They didn’t Today, Fred is nudging towards cudgels also meant, for Fred, working have jobs, they didn’t have their land. his 95th birthday. He still lives in the with strong and brave Indigenous They were up against it every day. Dapto house where he and his late women like “Aunty” Mary Davis They were ignored or humiliated. wife May, raised a family, planted a “Aunty” Dolly Henry and others who Many were refused service in shops beautiful garden and tended brightly- rallied to support their cause. and cafes. Aboriginal men who’d coloured birds. In Southern New South Wales, served in the Australian Army or the A modest and unusually gentle that cause saw the establishment Royal Australian Navy or the Royal man, Fred says his life’s work away of the South Coast Aboriginal Australian Air Force couldn’t vote from the coalface was made possible Advancement League in 1961. Fred until the 1960s. They couldn’t expect by the convictions and actions of was a founding member and the only to be served a beer in the local pub. others. one still alive. Sometimes they couldn’t even get “Common Cause Editors like “Aunty Mary and Aunty Dolly a short-back-and sides at the local Edgar Ross, Len Fox, Pete Thomas understood that the support of non- barber,” Fred recalls. and Paddy Gorman regularly had their indigenous Australians was essential Ever one to give credit where two bob’s worth about what was to the betterment of Indigenous credit is due, Fred says it was the

22 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 Aboriginal women who should be member of the Women’s Auxiliary, a Life Member of the South Coast given much of the credit for the Dolly Potter, recalled: “People May Day Committee, a Life Member advancement of their people. would see Fred at all the marches of the Dapto Swimming Club, the “People like me – ordinary working with Aboriginal people but they’d Miners’ Band, the New South Wales people – had jobs. Our lifestyles never really know about all the other Combined Pensioners’ Association. may have been modest but we had kindness he was responsible for. The list of Life Memberships and a proper house and a bed and a big You’d see him in the kitchen after a honours is considerably longer but back yard. We had shoes on our feet, Christmas party or an afternoon tea Fred has never been one to blow his clothes on our back and enough to and he’d be there washing the cups own trumpet. Significantly though, eat,” Fred explained. “We got on with and saucers and the plates. Nobody Fred has refused many State and the job. We’d take one step and then had to ask Fred to do this. He saw Federal offers of honours like the another and then another. We were something that needed doing and he Order of Australia Medal. building a campaign.” did it.” “I just do what I think needs In 2007, former New South Another said: “With Fred there doing,” Fred said recently. “Other Wales Member of Parliament and are never any secret agendas. People people do this, too. A lot of what has Parliamentary Secretary for Aboriginal see right from the start that he is been done has been helped along Affairs Col Markham said of Fred: open and honest. He has a genuine the track by Common Cause and our “There wouldn’t be a white person interest in doing whatever he can to Union. alive in Australia who knows so help people”. “The stories in Common Cause much about Indigenous issues. His Along the way, Fred has been helped tell people about the injustices knowledge and understanding and initiated as a member of the Jerringa experienced not just in the Indigenous commitment to Indigenous rights Aboriginal People. This great and communities here in Australia. They ... well, nobody even comes close. singular honour signified that Fred also helped strengthen the Union’s During the days of the big rallies, Fred was regarded as a wise and good man ties with South African mineworkers would seem to be everywhere with who could be trusted with the stories in their fight against Apartheid. We that loud-hailer of his. He’d introduce of the people who made him one of had South African miners come over people with the loud-hailer .... here’s their own. Today he is an Elder and here for work experience. And when so-and-so ... here’s such-and-such. many of the younger Jerringa call Apartheid was ended the Union had He had a very special way of getting Fred “Dad” or “Uncle”. letters from Nelson Mandela himself people to tell their stories. Other honours have come Fred’s thanking the Australian miners for “Fred didn’t speak on behalf way. He is a Life Member of the their solidarity. These are things to be of people. He gave people the Illawarra Aboriginal Community well and truly proud of. confidence to tell their own stories. and a Life member of the Miners “Apart from that, Common Cause He seemed to know everybody – the Federation, the only person ever was always a good read, a lively and Indigenous people who came over to receive that honour during his informative publication that kept us from Western Australia, the people working life. The South Coast Trades in touch with the important things who came down from Queensland and Labour Council building has been that were not only happening in our and the Northern Territory.” named after him and so is the CFMEU industry but throughout Australia and Some years ago, a veteran office outside Wollongong. He is the world.”

Fred (left) with Digger Murphy, Tony Maher, Betty and Bill Chapman.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 23 Tamsin on the Podium with the A very proud Tamsin with her first World Championship first of her two Silver Medals. Silver Medal. Tamsin Colley wins two silver medals at World Junior

Tamsin flying down the track on her way to a Para-Athletics Championships Silver Medal at the World Junior Para-Athletics Championships.

ast year Common Cause was can report that Tamsin has done Under-18s 100m and 200m. Aged just happy to report on Tamsin Australia proud again, winning two 14 and still with some growing to do, LColley, the daughter of National silver medals at the World Junior Tamsin is already within reach of the Research Director Peter Colley, Para-Athletics Championships held in best times achieved by adults with representing Australia at the Rio Switzerland in early August. Her proud her disability, ranking in the top 5-6 Paralympics. Dad was there to cheer her on. worldwide. While making the Australian Competing as a T36 athlete with The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics team for the Paralympics was a great mild cerebral palsy/coordination beckon for Tamsin, and we wish her achievement for young Tamsin, we problems, Tamsin came second in the well.

Colouring-in Winners Congratulations to the following winners of the September 2017 colouring-in competition who each receive a special prize:

Clay Sferratore 9 New South Wales Ainsley Childs 14 New South Wales Oscar Smith 3 New South Wales Oscar Smith Ainsley Childs Mackenzie Lucas 4 New South Wales Luca Dawson 11 New South Wales Max Jewiss 9 New South Wales Sharnee Stokes 9 Queensland Sophie Trigo 8 Queensland Allira Richardson 8 Victoria Alexis Truscott 7 Western Australia Clay Sferratore

24 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 The inspiring story of Andrew Curtis’s courage and commitment now told in a book

n November 2008, our Union lost “From the very beginning, an outstanding rank and file leader Andrew’s illness blanketed our lives in Iwhen Andrew Curtis lost his battle its entirety. Gone were our blue clear against Motor Neurone Disease. skies and warm sunshine and in its treatment Andrew had been diagnosed with place, endless dark, pitted with angry procured a the fatal condition in February of and rumbling clouds in varying shades degree of success and that year. He inspired all those who of grey. It was all consuming, with no our hopes were buoyed. knew him with his courage and escape or reprieve. It was suffocating. “Andrew’s desire to see his endurance throughout the months “Despite this, Andrew was ‘babies’ grow up was the driving force of his struggle. resolute and his courage and behind his every thought and decision Andrew left behind his loving wife determination were unparalleled. and notwithstanding the adversity he Linda and their two young children, He fought with everything that he endured, he very much remained the Hudson and Lainy. had and his unwillingness to readily master of his own destiny. At the time of his death Andrew accept the fate depicted by MND “Andrew’s resolve can serve as a was Lodge President at Blackwater found him pushing the boundaries lesson to others”. No.1. He was also a Central Councillor, and taking risks. We were told to This is a remarkably inspiring book representing the Queensland District “go home and make the most of that everyone can learn from. It gives on the Union’s governing body and things”, but Andrew would have none you a better understanding of what a member of that District’s Board of of it. We had hope. Andrew would decent human beings are capable of. Management. say, “Where there is life, there is It also provides an invaluable insight His dedication to his workmates hope”. We sought unconventional into the values and principles that bind and his ability to bring people together embryonic stem-cell treatment, which coal mineworkers and their families showed great leadership, which made necessitated Andrew travel overseas together in pursuit of the greater the shock of his death all the greater to India on two occasions, under less community good for all. for all those who knew him, including than favourable circumstances. Said We encourage you to buy it. the Union. It was widely believed that he would take a significant leadership role in the future. His wife, Linda, has now written a moving book, Our Stem Of Hope, which documents Andrew’s courageous and determined battle against Motor Neurone Disease. In her note on the back cover of the book Linda eloquently writes: “Earth shattering. Life changing. World altering. “Such profound phrases, but they all seem monumentally inadequate when attempting to articulate the impact that Andrew’s illness has had. Not only on us as individuals and life partners, but on our two gorgeous and innocent children, our extended families, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, communities of origin and people we have never even met. Andrew and Linda Curtis with their children Hudson and Lainy. “Motor Neurone Disease – MND. Three little words. Three little words that altered the course of our lives How to order Our Stem of Hope forever. Order copies via: www.ourstemofhope.com.au

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 25 70th Anniversary of Miners Federation’s Amenities Campaign By Craig Hoehne

his year marks the 70th From Catherine Hill anniversary of the Miners Bay to Abernethy TFederation’s Amenities — from Kandos Campaign in which the Union to the “Vale” — took the lead in fighting for better from Port Kembla conditions for workers on the job to Helensburgh. not always exactly welcomed by and in our mining communities. The One day I guided the car through mine managements; in fact, we following is a brief on that campaign coal dumps and mining villages for were occasionally ordered off the by Craig Hoehne based on former 20 hours! … Of course, I did not see mining leases, once by a petty boss Common Cause Editor Edgar Ross’s every pit in New South Wales but I in Queensland who was actually a account of it: saw its twin, and my agile colleague member of the Federation! The coal mining industry emerged of the camera in effect shot them all “With the material gained we from the Second World War in a and our round trip effectively covered produced a pictorial entitled How To deplorably backward state. Record the coalfields communities of the Get More Coal. Amenities committees quantities of coal had been won State (NSW). were set up in the various districts but the conditions of work for the “At Kandos in the far Western and national conferences were held mineworkers were very bad and the District the tour was joined by long to discuss tactics in the drive to raise industry generally was antiquated. term District President Eddie Marra. standards, which included industrial The Miners’ Federation set Later tours were conducted to West action, and were generally successful out to get a NEW DEAL promised Moreton, Queensland (June 1947); in achieving the objectives”. … for its wartime maximising of Gippsland, Victoria (July 1947); Thanks to the Amenities coal production, achieving it in an and subsequently Collie, Western Campaign and the Federation’s appallingly rundown industry, with Australia (June 1948). Idris Williams determination to fight for rights incredibly primitive conditions, many commented: ‘Working conditions in and conditions on the job as well mines lacking in elementary hygiene, Queensland pits were vile, and in as improving living standards and no running water, no sanitation, no many pits probably the worst in the facilities in mining communities, our bath rooms, no crib rooms. And these world’”, Edgar Ross reported. present generation enjoys a vastly conditions were matched by mining While attending the inaugural improved lifestyle. It must never be towns lacking in amenities prevailing Queensland District Conference held, forgotten that these standards and in other communities. June 3–4, 1947, at the Queensland conditions were all hard fought for. Incoming General President, Idris Colliery Employees Union (QCEU) They were not freely given. Williams, coordinated the Federation’s headquarters at program around one unifying Booval, Edgar Ross objective. The issue of amenities in the company was made the defining symbol to of local officials, represent a new approach to the coal Jim Cavanaugh problem. In March 1947, Edgar Ross (Bowman-Styx), was appointed Amenities Officer. It Jack Pocock (West was announced that he was to be Moreton), and a sent on a fact-finding tour of the New local photographer, South Wales coal districts, “to collect conducted a tour of material for colourful presentations in the West Moreton Common Cause.” Coalfield. They In the words of Edgar Ross: “First visited a number of I toured the coalfields districts of mines on the south NSW with a photographer ... side of Ipswich, “At the wheel of a not-so-modern as well as the car I travelled the world of coal, from Rosewood district. pit to pit from township to township. “We were

26 COMMON CAUSE VOL 83 NO.2 Collinsville artist Neil Widt. One of Neil’s Collinsville miners Lodge banners. Vale Collinsville artist Neil Widt

ommon Cause was saddened to of the Union banners used in our May but he has left a wonderful legacy for learn of the recent passing of Neil Day parades which now adorn the us all to enjoy into the future”, said CWidt, who was a very talented Coalface Museum. Sue. and generous Collinsville local. “Neil will be a sad loss to our ever- On behalf of its readers, Common Sue Clarke, from the Collinsville shrinking community. His special gifts Cause extends our condolences to the Connect Centre, told Common to not only the community but also the family, friends and comrades of Neil Cause that Neil “spent his life creating Union over many years will be missed Widt on their sad loss. works of art, including murals and other artworks which adorn many public and private places around the Collinsville area. He also painted many A lovely thank you from young Sophia Trigo

oung Sophia Trigo (pictured) Cumnock- has been one of the many Ykids who have entered the Liddell State regular Common Cause colouring- in competition and when she Reunion was picked as a winner from the most recent issue, “she was Singleton RSL Club beside herself with delight”, her York Street, Singleton Dad Cesar, our Hail Creek Lodge President, reported. 3rd February 2018, 1pm “Oh My God, how did they know Come and cut a bit of coal. I love Smiggle?”, Sophia asked Come tell some stories. her Dad when the letter and prize Most of all come and have a beer arrived at her Central Queensland for with all ya mates. home. “This is the best thing that has happened to me, I’ve never won Send a message or jump on the anything in my life”!, she said. Facebook page. Her Dad, Cesar, told our national office competition judge Courtney Millsy - 0421594355 Masters: “You really made our day”. Scott - 0419981327 Congratulations to young Sophia Sophia Trigo pictured with her winning colouring- Facebook: Cumnock-Liddell state Trigo and thank you for making our in entry, her prize and the letter from our national Mine reunion day too. office informing her of success.

VOL 83 NO.2 COMMON CAUSE 27 The Gunnedah Miners Support Group on the march in 1998. Solidarity on the Vickery Picket Line during the 51-week strike of 1995-1996.

Gunnedah celebrates 140-years of proud coal mining history

Miners Support Group leaders Colleen Fuller from Gunnedah, in the NSW Northern District (in red) and s this final issue of Common Vickery strike against CRA (now Rio Pauline Byfeld from Ulan, in our NSW Western District. Cause goes to press, the Tinto) and today are active members township of Gunnedah is set A of the RMA. those RMA members who wish to to celebrate 140-years of proud coal Together, Colleen and Ron attend the event. If you are interested mining heritage. along with Rhonda and Buck are a please contact Lionel Finlay on (02) It is fitting that the Gunnedah formidable team who work tirelessly 6543 3030. Miners Support Group is organising within their community and never For further information about the the celebrations to run over the let the public forget the enormous celebrations please contact Colleen weekend of 16 and 17 September contribution coal mineworkers have Fuller on 0429 420 290 or Laurie on as the Group was established as a made, and continue to make, to the 0407 899 536. result of the historic Vickery coal Gunnedah region. miners 1995-1996 strike that lasted for The celebrations begin on Saturday 51-weeks. The Miners Support Group 16 at 11am with a grand parade down has been active in the Gunnedah the main street of the town featuring regional community ever since. Gunnedah Fire and Rescue, Pipes The Gunnedah Branch of the and Drums band, vintage cars, coal Retired Mineworkers Association mineworkers, the Gunnedah Shire (RMA) is also supporting the events Band and much more. The parade to celebrate the town’s proud mining will end with a Memorial Service in history and contribution. A number memory of all those who died in the of community groups are also Gunnedah region’s mines over the supporting the celebrations while local past 140-years. businesses have also weighed in with This will be followed by a sponsorship. BBQ lunch and in the evening a The main drivers of the special Awards dinner. This will celebrations are Colleen Fuller and feature presentations from major Rhonda Fordham, who were founding sponsors, Apprenticeship Awards, members of the Gunnedah Miners Apprenticeship Scholarships and Support Group. Colleen is a former presentations to Life Members. Deputy-Mayor of Gunnedah and On Sunday morning there will be is still an elected member of the a grand breakfast at the Gunnedah Town Hall. Some of the Preston miners in Gunnedah with region’s Council. Colleen and Rhonda’s wives during their historic 54-days stay-down strike husbands Ron Fuller and Buck Our Union’s Northern District is fighting for their jobs in 1983. It remains the longest Fordham are veterans of the 51-week kindly providing bus transport for underground coal mine stay-down strike in history.

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CFMEU Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE Strong Union. Safer Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au www.letsspreaditaround.com.au VOL 79 NO. 6 DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014 Helensburgh mineworkers see off Peabody Lockout to win gains

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CFMEU CFMEU CFMEUREGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025 Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE Mining and Energy COMMONCAUSE Strong Union. Safer Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au www.letsspreaditaround.com.au VOL 79 NO. 5 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2013 Strong Union. Safe Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au VOL 77 NO. 6 DECEMBER 2011/JANUARY 2012 Strong Union. Safe Workplace. www.cfmeu.com.au VOL 78 NO. 1 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2012 The great Guts and Collinsville mining boom determination challenge rip-off: see Gujurat’s to Glencore How Australia CFMEU CEO Ivan is being mineworkers Glasenberg 1 COMMON CAUSE robbed through VOL 77 NO. 2 JUNE/JULY 2011 Inside

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An invitation to BHP CEO Marius Kloppers BHP chief Dear Mr Kloppers, Historic Long Service Our central Queensland mining calls for communities are under pressure. greater Family housing is scarce and expensive, roads are clogged social good and dangerous, long rosters are causing family breakdowns Sydney Morning Herald,Leave October 26, 2011 breakthrough and there’s not enough places for the kids to play. BHP Billiton chief executive Marius We’re worried BHP doesn’t appreciate the circumstances Kloppers has urged companies to seek we face and isn’t listening to our concerns. After a year of talks, the company put forward conditions that 92% of a call to increase social responsibility workers found unacceptable. within the corporate sector. Speaking in Melbourne last night, You’ve said you’d like BHP to engage more with Mr Kloppers said companies need to “turn around’’ their attitudes and Brave Ethan’s communities. We’d like that too. We’d like to sit down with you and talk about ways we can work together to improve Yallourn CFMEU workers stand staff turnover rates and their level of our quality of life. community acceptance. communities that what we are doing We’d like to invite you to visit our towns in the Bowen Basin. price that what we do is right, but I Come and see the flipside of the mining boom for yourself. family tribute is the rightthink thing, we’ve got ” toMr turn Kloppers that around, said.we

Sydney Morning Herald, October 26, 2011 firm in face of 100-day Lockout (We’ll even pay your airfare.) that what we are doing is the right employees in their turnover rates that they are Yours Sincerely, proud of working for us, so I just think we’ve to generous “If there’sgot to any shift oursort point of ofsocial view,’’ infrastructure, he said. BHP Mining Families

REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025 you need to strengthen that,” he said. Australian Financial Review, October 26, 2011 and win big gains REGISTERED BY AUStTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025

REGISTERED BY AUStTRALIA POST PP 243184/00025 coal miners

Mr Kloppers, come and see for yourself. FIFO Singleton $2.5M Super David v An invitation CFMEU CFMEU Camp rejection win for our Goliath to BHP CEO women – submission Nymboida Pike River BHP miners a win for Port Kembla battle for BHP Mining Families Marius making the on effects of House – our victim’s Mum fight on Union and Terminal Collinsville’s PO Box 20, Moranbah QLD 4744 Kloppers Union proud FIFO Union’s new speaks out on in Central Community workers future National HQ mine safety Queensland 1 COMMON CAUSE VOL 77 NO. 2 JUNE/JULY 2011 Inside Inside Inside

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