It was an unorthodox protest, to say the least, but when more than 50 miners turned up for work in their underwear earlier this year, it was to highlight a pressing issue.
The miners arrived at Appin East and Appin West, in New South Wales, donned in helmets, hi-vis, work shirts and boots but donned jocks rather than work pants to protest delays on a laundering service that should have been in place in July last year.
Dave McLachlan, Appin Colliery Lodge president, was dismissed for his role in the action because the protest was unprotected industrial action and did not create an inclusive workplace, The
Illawarra Mercury reports.
Now, McLachlan, who will have a case heard against his former employer South 32 next month, has revealed his latest unorthodox career choice.
In a slightly ironic career move, McLachlan now sells income protection insurance.
“If somebody had said to me four or five months ago that I’d be selling insurance I wouldn’t have believed them,” McLachlan told the publication. “But here I am.”
McLachlan needed to find a job while he launched an unfair dismissal case, as he was unable to touch the annual leave pay-out he received after he was sacked.
The undie protest may have only lasted 10 minutes but unions continue to show their support for their deposed, underpants-clad leader. Earlier this month, MUA members draped a giant pair of briefs on the back of a boat at Port Kembla.
For insurers looking to speed up their claims processes, it would be a good idea to keep McLachlan onside. You never what he’ll wear to his next meeting.
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