The Ulan West Enterprise Agreement: An Overview
The Ulan West Enterprise Agreement is a legally binding agreement that sets out the terms and conditions of employment of workers at the Ulan West underground coal mine in New South Wales, Australia. The agreement covers a range of issues, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and health and safety provisions.
The Ulan West mine is owned by Glencore, one of the world`s largest mining companies, and employs around 550 workers. The mine produces both coking coal and thermal coal, which are used in the production of steel and electricity generation respectively.
The current Ulan West Enterprise Agreement was negotiated between Glencore and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in 2016 and covers a period of four years. The agreement replaced a previous agreement that had expired in 2014.
One of the key features of the Ulan West Enterprise Agreement is the wage structure, which is based on a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This means that all workers are paid the same base rate regardless of their job title or level of experience. However, some workers may be eligible for additional payments or allowances depending on their role or the conditions they work under.
The agreement also includes provisions for working hours, with workers expected to work a minimum of eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Workers are entitled to annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave, as well as long service leave after a period of 10 years` service.
Health and safety provisions are another key aspect of the Ulan West Enterprise Agreement. The agreement sets out a range of measures to ensure the safety of workers, including training and induction programs, regular safety inspections, and the provision of personal protective equipment.
Overall, the Ulan West Enterprise Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for the employment of workers at the Ulan West mine. It reflects the needs and interests of both workers and the company, and ensures that employees are treated fairly and receive a range of benefits and entitlements.