Coal miners want job guarantees

Date: 21 November 2009

Mining giants must be forced to guarantee jobs in exchange for more climate change compensation, Australian coalmine workers will tell both sides of politics in Canberra today.

Speaking ahead of meetings with the Federal Government and the Opposition today, CFMEU Mining and Energy division said mining companies needed to do far more to secure the future of coal industry jobs through investing in carbon capture and storage.

CFMEU Mining and Energy General President Tony Maher said it was time mining companies demonstrated a commitment to the long-term future of the sector.

"Mining companies have spent months running a scare campaign on climate change and jobs in a cynical bid to squeeze billions of dollars in compensation out of Australian taxpayers," Mr Maher.

"Our message is that they must stop seeking government handouts and make a real commitment to tackling climate change and protecting the long-term future of coalmining jobs."

The union will also release a new report into the Government's CPRS, exposing the lies industry have told about its impact on coalmining jobs.

The report finds that:

* At least 10,000 coalmining jobs will be created by 2020 under the Government's proposed CPRS
* Coal companies have committed more than $6 billion in new coalmining developments in Australia since late last year
* Coal investors expect the sector in Australia to grow strongly under the Government's proposed CPRS

The CFMEU maintains that less than 20 coalmines are in need of compensation. The union has called on both the major parties to support doubling its compensation to these mines.

For further information

Contact:	Tony Maher
Union:	CFMEU Mining and Energy Division
WWW:	http://www.cfmeu.com.au/

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