Energy Australia has locked out workers from its Yallourn power station. The CFMEU Mining and Energy division says operators have been shut out indefinitely after industrial action over the weekend.

Operators began the industrial action at 6 am on Friday, by limiting the plant’s power output. Energy Australia administration then informed the workers they would be locked out from midday, according to CFMEU Mining and Energy Division District President Luke van der Meulen.

The lock-out comes after a week of stymied negotiations between the Union and Energy Australia.

“Energy Australia has reneged on a previous commitment to improve conditions,” said Mr van der Meulen.

“The workforce is angry that Energy Australia is not taking the conciliation process seriously – now the company is dramatically escalating the dispute rather than listening to the views of their workers and making them an acceptable employment offer in line with industry standards.”

An electrical fault in a high voltage circuit breaker occurred at the site on Friday, the electrical fault is unrelated to the industrial action, said Mr van der Meulen.