United Nations catches BHP out in Australia

CFMEU. Australia, November 13, 2003.

"BHP Billiton must end discrimination against new workers wanting to join a Union", says CFMEU Mining General President Tony Maher

Sydney, 13 November 2003 - A United Nations agency has told BHP Billiton that it should respect the human rights of all its employees and allow them to bargain through their unions.

With BHP Billiton holding its AGM in Melbourne today, it has been revealed that the UN Global Compact Office has responded to an ACTU complaint that the company was in breach of its Global Compact commitments by not respecting the right of employees in the Western Australia iron ore mines to bargain collectively through unions. BHP Billiton was advised of this in correspondence from the UN Global Compact Office dated last Friday, 7 November.

The right to join unions and bargain collectively is one of nine Principles under the Global Compact between the UN and business that more than 1,000 major companies - including BHP Billiton - have committed to.

However, at its Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia, BHP Billiton has a policy of denying new employees the right to collective bargaining demanding that they go on individual contracts if they want a job!

CFMEU Mining and Energy General President Tony Maher said: "BHP Billiton has been caught out. They have been trumpeting their commitment to the UN Global Compact to win favour as a socially responsible company."

" But now they have discovered that respecting human rights requires actions as well as words."

" BHP Billiton doesn't respect the right of ALL of its employees to join unions and bargain collectively. We very much hope that this advice from the UN has made it clear to BHP that it needs to bring its Western Australian employment practices into line with its international commitments."

For comment contact Tony Maher 0418 286 735

The CFMEU is affiliated to the Australian Council of Trade Unions. At the international level, the Mining & Energy Division is affiliated to the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions.

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