Mining Company Refutes Union’s Allegations

Mining Company Refutes Union’s Allegations

Newmont Waihi Gold’s general manager Glen Grindlay says that while the company respects the right of union staff to hold industrial action it is surprised at the reasons stated by the EPMU national secretary for the current strike action.

‘The description of underground working conditions as being akin to the nineteenth century is totally inaccurate. Favona staff have not had a single Lost Time Accident since the mine started operation five years ago. We are proud of that, and proud of the way the boys work’ says Grindlay.

‘Favona is a small underground mine with miners facilities on the surface with toilets, showers, hot and cold water, food facilities and laundry services. Staff working underground are free to return to the surface to use ablution facilities at any time, and always have been.

But Grindlay suggests that it is not hard to understand that EPMU national secretary Andrew Little would get it so wrong from his Wellington office.

‘We are aware of the effect incorrect and intentionally inflammatory statements can have on the workplace, and on the community in a small town like Waihi’. To the best of my knowledge Mr Little has never set foot on site.’

‘And we need to remember that half the underground staff are not union members and are still at work’

Grindlay describes staff working underground at Favona as ‘good blokes doing a great job’.

Grindlay says that while contractor HWE Mining employs the staff at Favona and is the company negotiating with the union, he is aware that the public do not view this as being separate from Newmont Waihi Gold.

ENDS

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