Mining Union Faces $657,105 in News Penalties for Conduct During Dispute

Unlawful Conduct and Court Penalties

The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a total of $657,105 in penalties in court against the Mining and Energy Union and five then-union officials for conduct that included verbal abuse of workers at the Oaky Creek North coal mine in central Queensland.

Details of the Penalties

• The Federal Court imposed penalties of $535,500 against the MEU.
• Penalties against the then-union officials include:
• Stephen Smyth: $85,680
• Chris Brodsky: $10,710
• Jade Ingham: $12,930
• Blake Hynes: $6,930
• Brodie Brunker: $5,355
• The MEU was ordered to pay $10,000 in compensation to one worker who had been verbally abused.

Background of the Case

This case dates back to negotiations for a new enterprise agreement, where the conduct was aimed to intimidate workers. Justice Darryl Rangiah found that aggressive and offensive language was used during protests, including insults and threats directed at the workers.

Impact on Workers

Justice Rangiah indicated that the **repeated, sustained and violent nature of the abuse** had a detrimental effect on the mental wellbeing of the workers. These actions were intended to influence worker participation in industrial activities.

Authority's Response

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth emphasized that these penalties reflect the seriousness of breaching laws related to coercion. She pointed out that no worker should face aggression for exercising their rights to participate in industrial activity.

The total penalties represent the largest secured by the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding violations of coercion in industrial activities under the Fair Work Act.