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5 clusters · 11 sources · 51 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: BUSINESS

Peabody Energy NSW coal disputes

Entities: Peabody · Robin Williams · Wambo CHPP · Fair Work Commission · Mining and Energy Union

Overview

In June 2026 Peabody Energy lodged a Stage 2 scoping report to add two new pits at the Wilpinjong open‑cut mine near Mudgee, targeting 45 million tonnes of thermal coal without increasing the approved production level. The Save Wollar Action Group warned the expansion would raise dust, noise, blasting impacts and pressure on water resources, urging a wind‑down by 2033.

Labor tensions surfaced at Peabody’s Wambo Coal Handling and Preparation Plant near Singleton. An indefinite lockout began in early July on 19 workers engaged in protected industrial action; the company offered a 13 % wage increase over four years, while the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) pressed for a 17 % rise to about AU$234,000 annually and flagged a disparity with the CEO’s roughly 29 % pay rise. A fresh 14‑day lockout was announced on 13 July after a prior two‑week lockout ended on 1 July.

By 24 July the dispute remained deadlocked after 18 bargaining meetings. Peabody presented an improved offer that revised the Accident Pay clause, but the MEU held firm on its 17 % demand.

On 29 July Peabody ended a third lockout after the MEU lodged urgent proceedings with the Fair Work Commission. The company agreed to compensate workers for the days of the latest lockout and three earlier periods. union officials criticised the lockout strategy and called for reforms to Australia’s lockout laws, emphasizing the broader friction between Peabody’s operations and the NSW workforce and community.

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Peabody ends third Wambo lockout after Fair Work Commission challenge

    Peabody halted its third Wambo lockout after the Mining and Energy Union challenged it in the Fair Work Commission, agreeing to pay workers and prompting calls for lockout law reform.

  2. 14 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 4 sources
    Peabody Energy and MEU deadlocked in wage talks at Wambo washery

    Peabody Energy and the MEU remain at an impasse after 18 bargaining meetings, with two lockouts imposed and no wage agreement reached at the Wambo coal washery in Australia.

  3. 25 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Peabody Energy imposes 14‑day lockout at Wambo washery in Australia

    Peabody Energy has imposed a new 14‑day lockout at its Wambo washery near Singleton, Australia, as a pay dispute with the Mining and Energy Union continues, with the union demanding a 17% wage rise to AU$234, k

  4. about 1 month ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Peabody Energy extends indefinite lockout of Wambo coal plant workers in New South Wales

    The MEU condemns Peabody Energy for extending an indefinite lockout of 19 workers at the Wambo coal plant in NSW, warning it is a pressure tactic while the company keeps a wage offer on the table.

  5. 2 months ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Peabody seeks Wilpinjong Mine expansion near Mudgee, sparking Wollar community opposition

    Peabody seeks to extend the Wilpinjong Mine near Mudgee to 2038, adding new pits and 45 Mt of coal, while local group Save Wollar warns of dust, noise, water impacts and broader environmental risks.

Sources

balakhanemediation.com · cessnockadvertiser.com.au · dailyliberal.com.au · espoonlahti.fi · huntervalleynews.net.au · me.cfmeu.org.au · muswellbrookchronicle.com.au · newcastleweekly.com.au · singletonargus.com.au · smartcity.hk · westernadvocate.com.au