Workers at Rix's Creek mine were locked out after rejecting a new deal, with union calling it a punitive tactic and Bloomfield citing safety concerns.

Workers at Rix's Creek coal mine in New South Wales have been locked out by operator Bloomfield after rejecting a new employment deal, with the union citing inadequate terms and a breakdown in talks over a key condition. The lockout, which began November 4, mirrors the duration of planned two-hour work stoppages through November 15. The union called the move a punitive "starve-them-out" tactic, while Bloomfield cited safety concerns over unexpected returns. Ongoing negotiations continue, including meetings on November 12 and 13, amid a history of strikes. Meanwhile, Bloomfield pursues a highway realignment project to extend the mine’s operations to 2049.