Bengalla Mine Enterprise Agreement: Understanding the Key Points
The Bengalla Mine, located in the Upper Hunter Valley of New South Wales, is a joint venture between Wesfarmers Curragh Pty Ltd and New Hope Corporation Limited. The mine produces high-quality thermal coal for both domestic and international markets. As with many enterprises, the Bengalla Mine has an enterprise agreement in place that governs the terms and conditions of employment for its workers. In this article, we`ll take a closer look at the Bengalla Mine Enterprise Agreement and what it means for employees.
What is an Enterprise Agreement?
An enterprise agreement is a legally binding agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for a particular group of employees. Enterprise agreements are negotiated between employers and employees (or their representatives) and must be approved by the Fair Work Commission. An enterprise agreement can cover a wide range of employment matters, including pay rates, working hours, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution procedures.
Overview of the Bengalla Mine Enterprise Agreement
The current Bengalla Mine Enterprise Agreement was approved by the Fair Work Commission in November 2018 and covers employees in the Production and Maintenance, Administration and Support, and Engineering and Technical Services streams. Here are some of the key points of the agreement:
Pay and Allowances
The agreement provides for annual pay increases of 2.5% per year for the life of the agreement (which is four years from the date of approval). The agreement also includes various allowances, including a living away from home allowance for eligible employees.
Working Hours and Roster Arrangements
The agreement sets out standard working hours of 12 hours per shift, with seven days on and seven days off for Production and Maintenance employees. Other employees work a 9-day fortnight, with one rostered day off per fortnight. The agreement also includes provisions for flexible working arrangements.
Leave Entitlements
The agreement provides for a range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal/carer`s leave, compassionate leave, and parental leave. Employees are also entitled to an additional five days of culture and ceremonial leave per year.
Dispute Resolution
The agreement includes a comprehensive dispute resolution procedure, which sets out steps to be taken to resolve disputes at the workplace level. If a dispute cannot be resolved at this level, it can be referred to the Fair Work Commission for conciliation and/or arbitration.
Conclusion
The Bengalla Mine Enterprise Agreement is an important document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for employees at the mine. It provides for a range of entitlements, including pay rates, working hours, leave entitlements, and dispute resolution procedures. As an employee, it`s important to be familiar with the terms of the agreement so that you can understand your rights and obligations. As with any agreement, it`s always a good idea to seek advice if you`re unsure about any aspect of it.
