The Mining and Energy Union will fight to protect mine safety legislation despite a vote at today's Queensland Labor conference for new policy that would downgrade protections.
CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smyth said the outcome of a vote at today's Queensland Labor conference was disappointing and reflected a lack of understanding about the history and practice of Queensland's mine safety laws by some unions.
"We are always on the side of improving safety," said Mr Smyth.
"But it's our strong view as the principal union in coal mining that the position adopted today is a downgrade. It seeks to replace special coal mine safety legislation with general health and safety provisions.
"In particular, we will fight to maintain the statutory Industry Safety and Health Representative roles that are unique to our industry. These roles were further enhanced after the shocking 1994 Moura explosion that killed 11 mineworkers.
"We will always be on the side of making mine safety legislation and practice stronger not weaker - that's what we'll keep working with all stakeholders in the industry to achieve."
Jackie Woods 0414241483
