THE CONSTRUCTION, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) says iron ore train drivers in the Pilbara are considering plans to stop work.
Train drivers in Karratha and Dampier are currently in an industrial dispute with Pilbara Rail Services over collective agreements. The employer is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto.
According to the union, if the negotiations do not progress, the drivers will consider strike action. The union has sought permission from the Industrial Relations Commission to hold a secret ballot regarding possible industrial action.
Workers claim any stoppage, regardless if it is for four hours or 24 hours, will be costly for Rio Tinto. Estimates put the value of each train to be around $2m.
However, the union says financial loss is not the workers’ aim, and it only wants to get the employer to the table.
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