Glencore responds to Union comments on Copper Refinery Enterprise Agreement
Media release
Townsville, Queensland
Glencore rejects the inaccurate public comments made about the proposed offer to our copper refinery workforce as part of the current Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations.
We have been in discussions with our copper refinery employees in Townsville since the beginning of 2025 on a new Enterprise Agreement.
Contrary to the inaccurate comments made by both the Electrical Trade Union (ETU) and the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU), Glencore has tabled a 13% salary increase over four years. In the first year alone, we are proposing an effective 6% salary increase for employees.
For both the ETU and AWU who are part of the bargaining committee to quote incorrect figures to media while we are still in negotiations, is highly inappropriate and is a disservice to their members.
We will continue to bargain in good faith and make a fair offer to our employees.
Glencore has gratefully acknowledged the backing from our workforce in securing Government support to keep the copper smelter and refinery operating.
To be clear though, even with the $600 million Government support package, the smelter and refinery are expected to continue losing money, this must be factored into the EA negotiations. Our focus is on trying to keep the smelter and refinery open so that our workforce continues to have jobs over the long term.
We are committed to paying attractive salaries that are competitive and believe our offer represents a balanced approach which prioritises sustainable and long-term job security.
For further information, please contact:
Agata Graham
m: +61 438 304 345
e: Agata Graham
Francis De Rosa
m: +61 417 074 751
e: Francis De Rosa
Notes for editors
About Glencore in Australia
In Australia, Glencore produces coal, zinc, nickel, cobalt, copper, lead and silver from 20 active mining operations. We also operate metals processing assets in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, including concentrators, smelters and refineries.
We are among Australia’s largest producers and marketers of natural resources, connecting Australian resources with industrial customers around the world. Through our diverse portfolio, we responsibly supply the resources that advance everyday life.
We employ 17,420 people in Australia and in 2024 contributed $19.6 billion to the regional, state and national economies. This included spend of $13.2 billion with 6,810 businesses across the country, as well as $3.6 billion in government tax and royalty payments.
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace for our people, to respecting the environment, to engaging openly and constructively with the Traditional Owners on whose lands we operate and to bringing value to local communities.
We will support the global effort to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement through our efforts to decarbonise our own operational footprint. We believe that we should take a holistic approach and have considered our commitment through the lens of our global industrial emissions. For more information see our 2024-2026 Climate Action Transition Plan.
Learn more about Glencore Australia