Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union vice-president Bob Timbs said McLachlan had been stood down for three weeks, and the company had singled him out for standing up for his rights at work.

“Since workers held their meeting, lodge president Dave McLachlin has been stood down and since given a ‘notice to show cause’ highlighting that the company has made up its mind to terminate him,” Timbs said.

“Dave has an impeccable workplace record and has been instrumental in helping maintain one of the most productive and settled workforces in the NSW coal industry.” 

A South32 spokesman told Australia’s Mining Monthly that it confirmed “that a recent protest by employees at its Appin mine was deemed as unprotected industrial action in accordance with the Fair Work Act. 

“In response the company has taken action as required by the act,” he said.

“An investigation has also taken place into the manner in which the unprotected industrial action occurred and the conduct of some employees involved. This investigation has been finalised and the findings have been discussed in confidence with those employees and their union representatives.”