Final job loss numbers confirmed at Stockton mine

27 June 2014

Media Release

Final job loss numbers confirmed at Stockton mine

Miners on the West Coast have been told today that 135 jobs will definitely be lost at Solid Energy’s Stockton coal mine.

The news comes after consultation ended on a proposed restructure at the mine. Stockton has been hit hard by low coal prices, the high New Zealand dollar, and serious financial mismanagement by Solid Energy’s previous Board.

“This is a sad day for our miners,” says Garth Elliott, EPMU organiser for the Stockton miners. “We knew it was coming, but it’s still a heavy blow.”

Miners will now be able to apply for voluntary redundancy.

“The only good news is that the guys have good redundancy entitlement thanks to our collective agreement,” says Garth Elliott. “But there still aren’t a lot of jobs out there on the West Coast and when that money runs out things will get tough.”

“We hold the government accountable for Solid Energy’s current position, and for not addressing the high dollar or creating jobs in our region. Miners are now paying the price for the politicians’ inaction.”

ENDS

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