A spokesperson for Premier Coal Mine near Collie has shot down rumours 50 permanent full-time employees are set to lose their jobs but confirmed more fixed-term contracts will not be renewed once they expire.
Premier’s general manager of investor relations James Rickards told the Mail on Wednesday four more contract roles will not be renewed on top of the 17 announced at the start of April.
He also said there are less than 20 fixed-term contractors on site and an ongoing review is yet to determine how many of the roles will be continued after June.
“Premier Coal confirms it is currently reviewing its requirements for fixed term contractors, following a recent reduction in production output,” Mr Rickards said.
“As a result of the review, we have currently advised four fixed term contractors will not be extending their labour hire contacts at this time.
“Premier currently employs approximately 450 people with the majority of its workforce sourced from within the Collie region.
“No full time roles have been affected by the change in Premier’s production requirements.”
Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray said expiring contracts and talk of job losses did nothing to inspire confidence in the South West.
“Mining jobs are not as readily available these day,” he said.
“Any time you lose a job it leaves a sour taste in your mouth and your confidence to spend decreases.
“This has a flow on effect to the stability of the community.
“These changes will definitely be felt in not just Collie, but Bunbury, Eaton and Australind too.”
Last month, Mr Rickards told the ABC the reduction in fixed-term contracts was a result of a decrease in demand from state power utility Synergy.
Andrew Elstermann
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Email: andrew.elstermann@fairfaxmedia.com.au
