Unions want job security for coal mine workers affected by BHP’s sale announcement. 

The Mining and Energy Union is urging BHP to provide greater assurances for its employees, following the company's announcement of plans to sell its Daunia and Blackwater coal mines in central Queensland. 

The open-cut metallurgical coal mines jointly employ more than 2,500 workers and are 50 per cent owned by BHP and Mitsubishi. 

While BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) asset manager Mauro Neves has stated that the sale would reinforce the company's position in the region as it shifts to hard-coking coal, the union has called for guarantees that all workers, including contractors, will be protected throughout the process. 

Union Queensland president Stephen Smyth noted past examples where new owners renegotiated workers' entitlements, stating that “there needs to be a commitment” to maintain current conditions. 

While Mr Neves says that job security does not need to be formalised, Mr Smyth argues that the union had recently negotiated an agreement between BHP and workers, which should be transferred to any new owners.