BHP must safeguard regional workers, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 01-February-2012

NATIONALS WA Federal Member for O’Connor, Tony Crook MP, has called on BHP Billiton to ensure regional workers are looked after following today’s restructuring of the Nickel West Operation.

Up to 155 employees and contractors have been affected by the restructuring, which will see BHP Billiton wind back operations at the Mount Keith and Leinster nickel mines, as well as the Kalgoorlie nickel smelter.

Mr Crook said BHP Billiton had a responsibility to ensure regional workers were prioritised in the aftermath of this decision.

“Those workers who have made the commitment to live and work in regional Western Australia should be given priority treatment by BHP,” Mr Crook said.

“In the interests of good corporate citizenship, I would urge BHP to assist these workers in finding alternative employment.”

Mr Crook was briefed on the Nickel West restructure today by Glenn Kellow, President of BHP’s Stainless Steel Minerals division.

“I appreciate that the resources industry operates on a very competitive global playing field, and there are a number of factors, including the strong Australian dollar, which have led to this decision,” Mr Crook said.

“BHP has indicated to my office that they are keen to ensure those workers affected by today’s restructure are rematched with employment through BHP.

“I understand that BHP will be working with staff and contractors on an individual basis to facilitate this.”

Mr Crook said a majority of staff impacted were based in the metropolitan area, either as administrative staff or fly-in, fly-out workers.

“Metropolitan based workers have a far greater capacity to source alternative employment in comparison to regional workers, and I hope BHP considers this as they make employment decisions in coming days.”

See this article on the member's website