Waterfront and electrical workers employed at a Newcastle coal loader have walked out following a breakdown in negotiations over pay and conditions.
It is the first time workers at Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group's (NCIG) Kooragang Island facility have taken protected industrial action.
The action comes after more than 16 years working to an enterprise agreement that workers say is a legacy of the Howard government WorkChoices era.
Maritime Union of Australia, Newcastle branch secretary, Glen Williams, said workers throughout the operations side of the business were lobbying to secure a fair agreement that recognised their true value to the business and brought their conditions into line with industry standards.
"These workers operate and maintain the massive machinery which loads bulk cargo ships with export grade coal from throughout the Hunter region and beyond," he said.
The action to date includes bans limitations and a two-hour stoppage.
MUA members are seeking practical and overdue improvements including fairer rostering arrangements, fairer recognition when working Public Holidays, a decent wage increase to keep up with the rise in the cost of living and conditions that reflect the skills, flexibility and productivity expected of a modern multi-skilled workforce.
An NCIG spokeswoman said the company had engaged in good faith during enterprise agreement negotiations with employee representatives.
"During that time, we've worked hard to understand the needs of our people and put forward an offer that provides meaningful wage increases that exceed current inflation figures," the spokeswoman said.
"We value our employees and hence provide remuneration at levels that are highly competitive relative to comparable roles in the sector. We are currently in the access period ahead of an employee vote and remain hopeful of a successful outcome."
Mr Williams said despite operating as a highly productive workforce, NCIG employees were paid less than comparable workers at neighbouring operations while delivering stronger outcomes for the business.
"NCIG workers load more, do more, and carry broader responsibilities. They're generating significant value and returns for the company but the bosses would rather provoke a dispute than settle a fair agreement," Mr Williams said.
"For years, these workers have been told there is no case for change, and when a company like this enters bargaining saying it wants nothing from negotiations, workers are entitled to ask whether that's because management already secured everything it wanted under arrangements imposed in a very different industrial era," Mr Williams said.
Ninety eight per cent of workers recently voted against the company's offer.
"NCIG was given the opportunity to heed that message and come to the bargaining table with a genuine willingness for landing a fair deal," Mr Williams said.
"Instead, due to their unwillingness to compromise and their provocations, NCIG workers are now taking protected industrial action - for the first time in NCIG's history."
The NCIG spokeswoman said the company had coordinated an effective operational plan to mitigate impacts of industrial action on its customers.
"While we respect the right of our MUA and ETU members to take protected action, NCIG remains committed to continuing constructive discussions, while delivering the safe and reliable service our customers rely on."
