Set back for train drivers' plan for industrial action
Posted
Train drivers at Rio Tinto's Pilbara mines have had a setback in their plan to take industrial action over a pay and conditions dispute.
The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union had asked the industrial court for permission to hold a ballot for protected industrial action against Pilbara Iron Limited, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto.
The move could severely disrupt Rio's multi million dollar iron ore exports.
However the court has heard about half the 40 workers are employed by a different Rio subsidiary, Hammersley Iron.
The Industrial Court has just rejected a move by the union to vary the terms of the application.
