Industrial dispute escalates as police investigate “bomb” threat against executive

NSW police are investigating claims that an explosive device was attached to the car of a senior mine manager at Xstrata’s Tahmoor Colliery in New South Wales in an incident which the mining giant claims is related to an escalating industrial dispute at the site.

The “bomb-like” device – which was reported to be fireworks by The Australian – was discovered on Sunday by security guards.

Local police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, but Xstrata was quick to link it to an 18 month enterprise agreement dispute between the company and the Construction and Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.

About 230 workers are currently on strike as part of this dispute.

“It appears the ongoing dispute between the CFMEU and Xstrata Coal regarding the establishment of a new enterprise agreement at Tahmoor has now escalated to a point that an individual or some individuals believe violence is an acceptable negotiating tactic,” the company said in a statement.

“Acts of violence and threats to the personal safety of our people will not be tolerated and we will pursue every legal option in our response.”

The CFMEU has condemned the planting of the device and the threat to the mine manager’s safety, but has also questioned whether Xstrata should have “pre-empted” the police investigation.

Inspector Brian Wyver from Wollongong Police told the ABC that the device could have caused some damage to the mining executive’s vehicle.

“If the fireworks went off, it could have burnt the car and from there, a fire would have started, you wouldn’t know it was in a bush area up there, a lot of wooden houses close by.”