Workers at Gujarat NRE’s owned Russell Vale and Wongawilli mines were handed a welcoming boost as the company’s new management announced yesterday that it will follow up on its promise of necessary investment to keep the two Illawarra mines operational.
According to a media release from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, the decision will put at ease hundreds of coal mine workers who feared for their jobs following the recent unfavorable slump of coal prices in the global market.
CFMEU District President Bob Timbs says the union is looking forward to continuing discussions with the company in order to settle the outstanding wages and entitlements owed to workers.
Mr. Timbs also thanked union members and their families for their resilience which has contributed towards securing a best outcome for all workers at the Russell Vale and Wongawilli mines.
“The last six weeks have been extremely tough for Gujarat mineworkers, who have gone without pay and had no certainty about the future of their jobs,” said Mr. Timbs.
“Today’s announcement is a great relief.”
“Throughout this ordeal we have held the hope that the mines would be able to trade through this difficult period and continue to produce high quality coal and employ Illawarra mineworkers for many years into the future.”
“Our members have gone well beyond the call of duty to keep the mines operating throughout this uncertainty and maximise the likelihood of their survival and future success.”
“The union thanks all our members for their support and we all owe a very big debt of gratitude to their families and the community.”
Mr. Timbs has welcomed Gujarat’s commitment to invest in the mines and encouraged the company to make it a priority to pay all outstanding wages and entitlements owed to the workers.
In conclusion, Mr. Timbs expressed his belief that the company’s senior management now in place will be able to get Gujarat NRE back on its feet.
