January 24, 2024 - The Government's new industrial relations landscape is being tested for the first time in the coal mining industry.

A multi-employer bargaining agreement is being sought by a key mining union, wrapping up five companies: Peabody Energy, Glencore, Whitehaven, Delta and Wollongong Resources into the one deal.

The companies are opposing a proposal from the Colleries Staff and Officials Association, which wants one deal to cover 216 supervisors from the five companies.

Those supervisors each earn more than $167,000 a year.

Peabody today told Sky News Business Now:

"If successful, this application will lead to complex and possibly lengthy negotiations that will add a layer of uncertainty and could adversely affect our employees, our operations and Australia's international standing as a reliable coal producer."