The AMWU Queensland and Northern Territory Branch is deeply concerned by reports that Glencore is recruiting approximately 120 trades workers from overseas for its Mount Isa operations — just months after taxpayers committed $600 million to support the ongoing operation of the smelter.
These roles reportedly include diesel fitters, electricians and processing trades, being recruited from the Philippines, Zambia and New Zealand.
This comes after the closure of Glencore’s copper mine, which resulted in the loss of around 1,200 local jobs and significant disruption to the Mount Isa community.
Glencore claims it cannot find enough workers locally. But Mount Isa has just seen hundreds of skilled workers displaced.
AMWU QLD & NT State Secretary Rohan Webb said the issue was not a shortage of skills — but a shortage of competitive wages.
“The copper mine has closed. Hundreds of skilled workers have already lost their jobs,” Mr Webb said.
Webb said,
“If Glencore can’t fill 120 trades roles in that environment, it’s not because the skills aren’t there — it’s because they’re not offering market rates. Workers are telling us the pay and conditions simply aren’t competitive with what’s available elsewhere in the resources sector. You can’t talk about labour shortages while refusing to meet the market. Taxpayers contributed $600 million to protect regional industry. That support should translate into secure, well-paid local jobs for North West Queensland workers. Glencore should be employing more apprentices and create more local job opportunities.”
The AMWU is calling on Glencore to provide transparency around the wages and conditions being offered and to prioritise displaced Mount Isa workers for any ongoing roles.
Regional jobs must mean regional opportunities — and that starts with paying proper market rates.
For more information, please contact Angus Haigh on 0434 085 015.
Authorised by Rohan Webb, AMWU, 366 Upper Roma St, Brisbane.