EPMU Media Release

18 July 2007

Coal miners locked out

200 coal miners belonging to the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union were locked out last night by Henry Walker Elton - the contractor for Solid Energy’s Rotowaro mine, near Huntly.

HWE’s decision means the miners will have no income until the lockout notice is lifted.

EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little says HWE is out of line.

“Our members have been trying for months to reach a deal with HWE, but the company has continued to hold out even after Solid Energy and six of its other contractors have agreed to a settlement.

“After being stonewalled at negotiations again last night our members voted to impose a go-slow and an overtime ban, only for HWE to escalate the situation with a full lockout. This over the top reaction to low-level industrial action is unhelpful and vindictive. HWE needs to withdraw the lockout and get back to the table.

“Coming at the same time as Spotless Services’ decision to lockout nearly a thousand hospital staff, this represents a real increase in employer militancy in the face of ordinary working New Zealanders who are just trying to improve their wages and conditions.”

Meanwhile, miners at Solid Energy’s Stockton mine are continuing with an overtime ban against mining contractor Doug Hood Ltd, which is also refusing to settle.

Henry Walker Elton is owned by Leighton Mining Ltd.

ENDS

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