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BHP Group’s new alcohol policy to limit late night drinking at its Australia mines and search belongings for secret stashes of liquor, if needed, infringes on worker rights, the miners union said.
The company’s policy will bar workers on mine sites in Western Australia from consuming alcohol after 9:30 p.m., citing health and safety concerns.
In a letter this week, the Western Mine Workers’ Alliance (WMWA) told BHP the policies fuelled concern over employees’ basic rights to privacy and enjoyment in non-working hours, and added that the miner had not adequately consulted employees.
“If there are issues with some staff, they need to be managed, rather than penalising all the rest of the workers,” Shane Roulstone of the Australian Workers Union told Reuters.
BHP said the policy covered workers across its Australian business and was in line with national health guidelines.
“We just want to be treated like adults.”
BHP said the policy covered workers across its Australian business and was in line with national health guidelines.
“Under the new rules, employees and contractors across all Minerals Australia accommodation villages will be limited to four standard drinks per day,” it said in a statement.
“The decision underscores BHP’s commitment to the health and safety of its people.”
The management also flagged that it would search personal property in serious circumstances but this was a power the union said should be reserved only to police, Roulstone added.
Further curbs set to take effect from July 1 bar workers from consuming the beverage in their quarters after 9:30 p.m.
That meant that support staff, such as cooks, who finished work after the deadline would be deprived of a drink after work, Roulstone said.
Workers’ rooms in mining villages are typically furnished with small bar fridges that stock at most four beers.
“Most people would say, that’s enough, but you’re working long days at high temperatures of 40 degrees to 45 degrees, and 12-hour shifts,” Roulstone added.
For those who fly in to remote mine sites to work for two weeks at a time, the new rules unfairly limit drinking on nights off during transitions between day and night shifts, he said.
(By Melanie Burton; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
7 Comments
jon
Another day and another right to live free has been lost. These beady eyed draconian bean counting idiots just can’t wait to have robot slaves……
David Collier
I think BHP is on the right track with it’s focus on workers health and safety. Thanks BHP!
Troy Hartman
David here obviously works for BHP management.. If you treat people like children, they will act like children.
Its not about workers health and safety at all, just about having more control over people. Im sick of s..t like this, get on here and leave these d..ks a message, tell them what you really think!
Paul Wray
When Ketza River Mine started up it was decided that it would be a wet camp as we were adults and would act like adults. This did not last long especially when miners turned up at the wicket either under the weather or somewhat impaired. A dry camp is the only way to go.
David
I worked at BHP for over 9 years, I liked to have a beer or 2 after work most days ( only had mid strength option) If someone had too much and behaved like idiot – they got pinged as it should be – just like in the pubs at home. Don’t penalize everyone for the stupidity of the few !!!!!
Matt
Problem is that if you drink late into the night you cannot be alcohol free when you arrive at work in the morning. Do the maths on drinking 8 Spirit cans until after midnight. You cannot be at your best even if you are a high functioning alcoholic. The work environment is dangerous and requires everyone to be sober, rested and alert. Maybe drop the time deadline and make it x hours prior to duty.
Deano
Now they’ve banned going to the pub after hours. What an affect that will have on local business and comraderie between workers.