June 27, 2013
Media Release
Miners’ union welcomes Pike River legislation
The union representing New Zealand miners is welcoming the Pike River Implementation Bill but has significant concerns
about the weakening of worker participation.
EPMU assistant national secretary Ged O’Connell says the union will seek to address issues around worker participation
in select committee.
“We believe this legislation is crucial to make our mines safer and one of the key elements is giving mine workers the
ability to speak up on health and safety and refuse to do unsafe work.
“The Royal Commission recommended the introduction of elected union check inspectors because they are independent of the
company and have clear accountability to their workmates. We would be very concerned if this recommendation was
weakened.
“Our union will be calling on all parties to support this legislation and we expect these issues to be sorted out in
select committee.”
ENDS