A total of 151 workers are set to be axed at Solid Energy after the mining company confirmed that it will let workers go at its Stockton Mine, but has yet to say which workers will stay and which will go.
Confirmation of job losses at Solid Energy’s Stockton and Spring Creek mines shows the urgent need for new economic opportunities on the West Coast, Labour representative for West Coast-Tasman, Damien O’Connor says.
“Our economy can no longer rely on the wisdom and management of Crown-owned companies based outside our region that have a history of mistakes and failure,” he says.
“Initiatives are already underway in Buller but the impact of these job cuts will be severe. We will struggle to find alternative employment in the short-term.”
The state-owned coal miner proposed the cuts earlier this month and has been consulting with staff since.
The company is leaving 38 roles vacant, which means 113 workers will lose their jobs, while another six will be laid off at the mothballed Spring Creek mine.
Another period of consultation will now get underway, and workers will know by the end of June whose jobs are on the line.
The Stockton Mine will continue to employ 246 workers.
