Peabody Energy extends indefinite lockout of Wambo coal plant workers in New South Wales

The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has condemned multinational coal producer Peabody Energy for moving to an indefinite lockout of the 19 workers at the Wambo Coal Handling Preparation Plant near Singleton, New South Wales. The lockout, originally set for two weeks and due to end on 1 July, was extended after the company announced it would continue refusing work and wages unless the workers abandon part of their protected industrial action.

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said the company’s decision was a “deliberate” bargaining tactic, adding, “This isn’t something that’s happening to Peabody. This is something Peabody is choosing to do.” The union also highlighted that Peabody’s chief executive received a nearly 30 % pay increase in the past year while the workers face loss of income. Peabody maintains that its offer of a 13 % wage increase over four years with unchanged bonus opportunities remains on the table. Federal MP Dan Repacholi attended a morale‑boosting barbecue with the locked‑out workers on 26 June.