Mining companies must urgently make arrangements for mineworkers affected by the Queensland Government’s interstate FIFO ban to move locally if they wish to, the Miners Union said today.
Mining Union (CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland) President Stephen Smyth said worker and community confidence in safety was essential to the continued operation of the mining industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We want Queensland’s mining industry to keep operating, to keep people in work and keep the economy going,” said Mr Smyth.
“But it must be done safely. We accept that the Queensland Government’s decision today to remove the exemption for interstate FIFO workers from the state’s travel ban was made in support of community safety.
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“Now, mining companies must act urgently to offer affected workers appropriate housing near their worksites in regional Queensland, on a voluntary basis.
“Mining companies must cover relocation and housing costs whether the worker is permanent or labour-hire.
“We understand these arrangements would put a strain on families, but we believe it’s an appropriate temporary measure to support workers and address concerns of host mining communities at this time.”
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