BHP dispute talks to focus on rosters
The miners' union says it will focus on one issue in enterprise bargaining negotiations with BHP Billiton in Brisbane today.
Unions and the company have been locked in a dispute for more than 18 months, to try and secure a new agreement for workers at six Bowen Basin mines.
Steve Smyth from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says talks will centre on rostering arrangements.
"We're obviously looking at if there is an alternative roster to be introduced and you don't get agreement of the majority of people, how that would work?" he said.
"What protections would be in place and that type of stuff."
Mr Smyth says rosters are a major sticking point.
"It's a clause on rosters, alternative rosters," he said.
"From the union's perspective, hours of work, shift starts and finish times, shift lengths are set as they are but the issue of rosters and the types of rosters are what negotiations are centred around at this stage."