BHP’s ‘arrogant’ move to driverless trucks puts social license at risk

CFMEU Mining and Energy

BHP’s introduction of driverless trucks at its Daunia coal mine will greatly impact on jobs and the way work is performed, the Miners Union said today.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President said BHP’s approach of springing today’s announcement on the workforce with no warning was arrogant.

“BHP is simply barging ahead with automation without taking into consideration the views and concerns of those workers whose livelihood is affected,” said Mr Smyth.

“They are only consulting once their plans are already in place, when the horse has already bolted.

“We will hold them to their statement that no permanent or labour hire jobs will be lost due to the introduction of this fleet of autonomous trucks.

“However, we expect they’ll find other excuses to cut jobs. It’s beyond belief that job numbers won’t be affected going forward as their ultimate aim is to boost profits by cutting jobs for Queensland coal miners.

“BHP faces the risk that if they are just creating dust and traffic without generating good employment opportunities for Queenslanders, they will lose their social license to operate.”

The Union is calling for BHP to commit to any new jobs created being based in central Queensland and not in remote operations centres thousands of kilometres away.

“BHP needs to be able to demonstrate to its host communities that its mines are delivering social and economic benefit and the best way that they can do that is through good local jobs.

“Unfortunately, BHP has shown through its push to replace permanent direct jobs with cheaper Operations Services labour hire jobs that profit trumps community interests every time.”

/Public Release.