01 JULY 2019
More than 80% of voting employees supported the proposal
Successful negotiations to renew the GEMCO Enterprise Agreement (EA) have secured positive terms and conditions for employees while ensuring production remained unaffected.
Between November 2018 and January 2019, bargaining parties held meetings to discuss the terms and conditions of employment for employees covered by the GEMCO Enterprise Agreement over the next three years.
Historically, negotiations at GEMCO have lasted between 18-22 months and have negatively impacted on both employee engagement and production levels.
Following presentation of desired outcomes by all parties to the Agreement and significant debate, all parties major claims were put aside with the shared understanding that the conditions currently applying to the workforce were fair and reasonable.
As a result, following consultation with their members, the joint unions involved provided a letter to South32 giving ‘in principle’ support for the terms and conditions being offered.
A voting process followed with more than 80% of voting employees supporting the proposal.
Speaking after the successful vote outcome, Jo-Anne Scarini, Vice President Operations GEMCO, thanked everyone involved for their commitment and participation in the process.
She said: “Through respectful and engaged bargaining, we have been able to achieve a great result for both our employees and the Company, which will support the long-term sustainability of our business.”
The EA process is a legislative requirement under the Fair Work Act 2009. As a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), South32 is committed to the principles of freedom of association.
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