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Coal contractor job cuts: govt leaves workers vulnerable
Wednesday, 02 May 2007
Coal contractor job cuts: govt leaves workers vulnerable
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today blamed the Iemma
government’s failure to invest in a renewable energy industry for the
loss of 250 contractor jobs from Coal & Allied Industries’ Hunter
Valley mining operations.
“The coal industry is now highly unstable and workers are vulnerable
as a result.
“The NSW coal industries’ house of cards can easily fall when faced
with poor transportation networks, a fall in international commodity
prices, increased mechanisation and climate change.
“If a decade ago the NSW Labor government had begun planning for a
renewable energy industry these contractors and thousands of other
workers would be enjoying the benefits of a thriving new sector.
“With no transition plan from coal to renewables, the government has
missed the opportunity to future proof both jobs and the economy in the
Hunter.
“The solution to job losses like these is not to beef up coal
transportation networks.
“The Greens call on the government to phase out the coal industry and
develop a transition plan from coal to renewables, including retraining
for displaced workers,” Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568