Industrial action seems likely at United Collieries Hunter Valley Mine with the CFMEU conducting the first secret ballot under WorkChoices.

102 staff members voted in the ballot with the result showing more than 90% support for all five options for industrial action listed on the ballot. The ballot asked members to respond as to whether or not they would "for the purpose of advancing claims in the negotiation of a union collective agreement" support the following kinds of industrial action:
• 24 hours stoppages of work (98% in favour);
• Overtime bans (97% in favour);
• Seven-day stoppage of work (90% in favour);
• Two-hour stop work meetings (96% in favour); and
• Shift-length stoppages of work (97% in favour).

WorkChoices regulations changes mean that a majority of more than 50% is required to authorise protected industrial action. This protected industrial action must be initiated within 30 days of the ballot declaration.

For further advice on this matter please contact your local AMMA office.