Up to 100 jobs gone at Stockton - miners

Miners fear that as many as 100 workers could lose their jobs at Solid Energy's Stockton Mine near Westport.

The company announced yesterday that 70 contract workers had made redundant as a result of a decision to enter into a joint venture with Australian-owned Downer EDI Mining to run the company from October 3.

But the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) spokesman Robert Egan said today the union's Stockton delegate had been advised the figure was 100.

He understood that they comprised 70 Doug Hood Mining workers and 30 other contract workers.

He said the EPMU was meeting Stockton members tonight and strike action was likely.

Solid Energy spokesman Bryn Somerville said only 70 letters had been sent out telling workers their job applications with the joint venture had been unsuccessful.

He queried where the union had got its 100 figure.

- NZPA