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

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