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Former Foes Launch Pilbara Iron Ore Union Alliance

A new alliance between the AWU and the CFMEU Mining Division is set to dramatically boost the industrial strength of union members working in WA’s Pilbara iron ore mining industry, claims AWU National Secretary, Paul Howes.

“The alliance is a huge step forward and will give about 15,000 employees the option of joining the alliance and bargaining collectively.” Howes said.

“By working together we can seize on this historic opportunity to re-unionise Rio Tinto, from pit to port,”

The agreement marks the end of 30 years of bickering and demarcation between the AWU and the CFMEU in the Pilbara region.

“It’s no secret that our unions have not always seen eye to eye,” Paul Howes said.

“Unfortunately, Rio Tinto has been able to exploit this tension and we’ve effectively seen the de-unionisation of the Pilbara iron ore mining workforce.

“With this agreement, workers will have the choice of effective union representation for the first time in decades. We’re offering workers the choice to bargain alone with the boss, or to stand up together and exercise their basic industrial rights.”

Speaking to The Australian, National President of the CFMEU’s mining division, Tony Maher said “it’s amazing it’s taken us this long to learn the lessons of history”.

The two unions’ memorandum of understanding is modelled on a 2003 alliance struck between the AWU and the Maritime Union of Australia that has resulted in the unions working together in an attempt to organise the offshore oil and gas sector.

Union membership amongst Rio’s iron ore workers currently is “very, very low,” Howes said.

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