It comes only months after the company tried to exclude the Blackwater mine, from the wider Enterprise Agreement for the region, which would create a two tiered system of pay, conditions, and entitlements for workers, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union president Steve Smyth said.

The union has been “fair and open in negotiations, despite BMA’s unreasonable position”, he said.

“BHP Mitsubishi are seeing just how far they can push local mines and strip away working conditions and entitlements to bring US style conditions to Australia,” Smyth said.

“The CFMEU has been bargaining in good faith with BHP Mitsubishi, and will continue to do so, but the company must be willing to provide reasonable proposals about conditions and entitlements.

“There are uncertain times ahead for the industry and we have been cooperative in forgoing pay increases in exchange for commitments around security of employment, recognition of entitlements, and continued protection of health and safety at work.

“But BHP Mitsubishi say they need more flexibility and to simplify operations, which is just code for stripping away of conditions and paving the way for more job cuts.

“This company has made money hand over fist in Australia on the back of their hard working employees and we expect that to be respected in an ongoing and fair commitment to their workforce.”

ICN sought comment from BHP Billiton.

While Smyth said he acknowledged the mining industry is under strain, but BHP is taking that as an opportunity to push the boundaries and get whatever they think they can.

“Coalmine workers know as well as anyone that the industry is facing troubles, from coal prices, capital divestment and mine closures, but BHP Mitsubishi mines are still very profitable,” he said.

“Workers want to do their part, but we need a fair go and we will not accept any deal which leaves them and their families ripped off by a company simply trying to scrap for every dollar of profit it can get.”