Peabody extends lockout at Helensburgh coal mine in Australia

(Reuters) -U.S. coal producer Peabody Energy is extending a lockout at one of its New South Wales mines, Australia's Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said on Thursday, after its workers staged a protest, demanding improved wages and job protection.

Peabody notified MEU members on Wednesday night that it would continue the lockout at Helensburgh underground coal mine until July 6, according to the union.

The workers have been locked out without pay since June 18, the union said, adding that it was urging the Federal Government to overhaul workplace laws that permit excessively "disproportionate" and "punitive" actions by employers against workers who were exercising their right to bargain.

The workers will not be intimidated by Peabody's tactics and will keep fighting for fair pay and job security, Helensburgh mineworker and MEU delegate Matt Potter said in a statement.

A Peabody spokesperson said, "We have extended our lawful action to match the union's extended strike action notification period."

"The company will cancel the lockout action if the union discontinues their industrial action, along with their unlawful 'go slow' activities," the spokesperson added.

The union denied engaging in any 'go slow' activities.

(Reporting by Adwitiya Srivastava in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Anil D'Silva)

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