Residents brace for potential blackouts as workers strike at major power station
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Commencing this Thursday, a strike is poised to disrupt operations at one of Queensland's largest power stations, presenting a new threat to the already strained electricity grid along the east coast.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has issued warnings about potential widespread power disruptions in the state, citing protected industrial action set to take place at the 750-megawatt Kogan Creek generator.
MEU Queensland District Vice-President Shane Brunker has emphasised the possible 'dire consequences for energy security' as residents approach the peak period of summer power generation—unless the government intervenes at the negotiating table with state-owned CS Energy, the plant's owner.
'We apologise for any inconvenience,' said Mr Bunker, 'but we have hundreds of workers here whose livelihoods are in jeopardy.'
He explained that the union's first step would be to shut down the conveyor belts that feed coal from the nearby Kogan mine into the plant. This would reduce the station's available coal stocks.
In the upcoming week, the union plans to operate the plant at a lower megawatt capacity during peak morning and nighttime periods, which will result in a degradation of the power supply.
Both of these strategies would substantially decrease the revenue generated by the power generator, which provides 10 per cent of Queensland's power and a significant portion of northern NSW.
Last week, the union representing operators, fitters, electricians, and power workers successfully obtained the right to take protected industrial action from the Fair Work Commission.
According to the union, this dispute revolves around CS Energy, the plant owner, and its failure to adhere to the newly established Queensland Energy Workers' Charter.
The union's members are seeking guarantees that they won't be replaced by contractors. They're also pushing for a 'fair distribution of attraction and retention provisions' in the enterprise agreement to ensure the continued safe operation of the generator.
However, Mr Brunker expressed concerns, stating that the charter appears 'disorganised', and workers haven't been adequately consulted regarding government plans.
To address these issues, the union is working to incorporate the charter into the ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations, aiming to secure extended lead times for consultation.
They're also advocating for transparency in reporting on the use of contract labour at CS Energy's plants and the removal of the current 75-week cap on redundancy payments.
These measures, if implemented, could help smooth out the labour issues currently facing CS Energy and its workforce.
The Kogan Creek plant is booked to close down in 2035, and while the union is hopeful it won't happen earlier, Mr Brunker admitted that 'no one knows exactly what is going to happen'.
Kogan Creek employs over 120 workers, and an additional 80 work at the Kogan mine.
If a strike were to occur, it could worsen Queensland's energy security situation. This is particularly concerning because some units at the Callide station are already offline for necessary repairs and reconstruction.
'The Queensland government needs to get around a table with the Unions and CS Energy, which it owns, and resolve how the Queensland Energy Workers' Charter will provide security and a future for the Kogan workers,' Mr Brunker said.
'CS Energy needs direction from the government at the negotiating table to finish these negotiations. Otherwise, there will be dire consequences for energy security running into the peak period of summer power generation in this state.'
A spokeswoman played down the possibility of potential industrial action causing widespread power disruption. According to her, 'CS Energy has made a generous offer to its employees.'
'Kogan Creek Power Station continues to generate electricity, and we have comprehensive plans in place to ensure the safety of our personnel and facility while minimising the impact of the proposed industrial action.'
Although Kogan Creek has been in the spotlight, it's part of a larger campaign related to the Queensland government's $150 million job transition fund. This fund is aimed at assisting coal workers in finding employment in a low-emissions economy.
The Palaszczuk Labor government has committed to closing its state-owned coal-fired power stations by 2035 and established this fund as part of an agreement with trade unions to mitigate significant job losses in coal communities.
Members, we'll be sure to keep you updated with the latest news as it develops. In the meantime, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your energy supplies. It's also best to prepare for any power interruptions at home in the near future.
What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments.
The Mining and Energy Union (MEU) has issued warnings about potential widespread power disruptions in the state, citing protected industrial action set to take place at the 750-megawatt Kogan Creek generator.
MEU Queensland District Vice-President Shane Brunker has emphasised the possible 'dire consequences for energy security' as residents approach the peak period of summer power generation—unless the government intervenes at the negotiating table with state-owned CS Energy, the plant's owner.
The ramifications of this dispute could be significant, affecting up to 10 per cent of Queensland's power generation capacity. Credit: Wikipedia/Coachcapt.
'We apologise for any inconvenience,' said Mr Bunker, 'but we have hundreds of workers here whose livelihoods are in jeopardy.'
He explained that the union's first step would be to shut down the conveyor belts that feed coal from the nearby Kogan mine into the plant. This would reduce the station's available coal stocks.
In the upcoming week, the union plans to operate the plant at a lower megawatt capacity during peak morning and nighttime periods, which will result in a degradation of the power supply.
Both of these strategies would substantially decrease the revenue generated by the power generator, which provides 10 per cent of Queensland's power and a significant portion of northern NSW.
Last week, the union representing operators, fitters, electricians, and power workers successfully obtained the right to take protected industrial action from the Fair Work Commission.
According to the union, this dispute revolves around CS Energy, the plant owner, and its failure to adhere to the newly established Queensland Energy Workers' Charter.
The union's members are seeking guarantees that they won't be replaced by contractors. They're also pushing for a 'fair distribution of attraction and retention provisions' in the enterprise agreement to ensure the continued safe operation of the generator.
However, Mr Brunker expressed concerns, stating that the charter appears 'disorganised', and workers haven't been adequately consulted regarding government plans.
To address these issues, the union is working to incorporate the charter into the ongoing enterprise agreement negotiations, aiming to secure extended lead times for consultation.
They're also advocating for transparency in reporting on the use of contract labour at CS Energy's plants and the removal of the current 75-week cap on redundancy payments.
These measures, if implemented, could help smooth out the labour issues currently facing CS Energy and its workforce.
The Kogan Creek plant is booked to close down in 2035, and while the union is hopeful it won't happen earlier, Mr Brunker admitted that 'no one knows exactly what is going to happen'.
Kogan Creek employs over 120 workers, and an additional 80 work at the Kogan mine.
If a strike were to occur, it could worsen Queensland's energy security situation. This is particularly concerning because some units at the Callide station are already offline for necessary repairs and reconstruction.
'The Queensland government needs to get around a table with the Unions and CS Energy, which it owns, and resolve how the Queensland Energy Workers' Charter will provide security and a future for the Kogan workers,' Mr Brunker said.
'CS Energy needs direction from the government at the negotiating table to finish these negotiations. Otherwise, there will be dire consequences for energy security running into the peak period of summer power generation in this state.'
A spokeswoman played down the possibility of potential industrial action causing widespread power disruption. According to her, 'CS Energy has made a generous offer to its employees.'
'Kogan Creek Power Station continues to generate electricity, and we have comprehensive plans in place to ensure the safety of our personnel and facility while minimising the impact of the proposed industrial action.'
Although Kogan Creek has been in the spotlight, it's part of a larger campaign related to the Queensland government's $150 million job transition fund. This fund is aimed at assisting coal workers in finding employment in a low-emissions economy.
The Palaszczuk Labor government has committed to closing its state-owned coal-fired power stations by 2035 and established this fund as part of an agreement with trade unions to mitigate significant job losses in coal communities.
Members, we'll be sure to keep you updated with the latest news as it develops. In the meantime, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your energy supplies. It's also best to prepare for any power interruptions at home in the near future.
What are your thoughts on this news? Let us know in the comments.
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