MORE than 3500 central Queensland coal miners have begun a week-long strike, arguing their working conditions don't match their company's record profits.

Workers from seven BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) mines across the Bowen Basin walked off the job at midday (AEST) today, unhappy with workplace negotiations.   

Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) national president Tony Maher said BMA was trying to drive down conditions for workers despite expanding its central Queensland operations on the back of record profits.   

They had been trying to negotiate better working conditions, including equal pay for contractors, job security and more breaks for workers on 12-hour shifts for 15 months, he said.   

"BHP, one of the richest companies in the world, wants to make Australian mining jobs less safe and less secure," Mr Maher said.   

"These workers are taking a stand for safe, secure jobs - BHP can afford to do the right thing."

He said BHP's Bowen Basin workforce were highly productive, generating $6 million in profits a day.

"Last year, BHP made a record $23 billion profit," he said.

A BHP Billiton spokeswoman said the strike was unnecessary and would not change the company's position on "matters that are crucial for the company's ongoing competitiveness".

She said it was too early to say how much the strike action would cost the company.

The mines affected by strike action this week are Goonyella Riverside, Peak Downs, Saraji, Norwich Park, Gregory, Crinum and Blackwater.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/business/bhp-billiton-coalminers-walk-off-the-job-on-poor-conditions-bumper-profits/story-e6frfm1i-1226271846233#ixzz1mRfa7hHN