Council of Trade Unions media release 24 November 2010

CTU reaction to Pike River Mine disaster

The Council of Trade Unions expresses its shock and deep sadness at the news of the second explosion at Pike River Mine and the likelihood that none of the 29 trapped miners has survived. It is a moment of profound tragedy and the entire union movement stands in sympathy and solidarity with the families of the missing men.

CTU President Helen Kelly said: “This is a dreadful event and one which nobody should have to endure in these times. Everyone has the right to go to work in the expectation of coming home safe and well at the end of each day."

"Obviously there is much we do not yet know about the events of the past six days, but we trust that there will be a full and thorough commission of enquiry into this disaster. Unions have been at the forefront of driving health and safety in mining and we intend to play a full part in the investigation of what went wrong at Pike River Mine. It should not have happened, and it must not happen again."

ENDS

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