Strikes Continue in New Zealand Against State-run Coal Firm

Strikes by coal miners of state-owned Solid Energy in New Zealand have expanded, leading up to negotiations on 28 April. Another 500 coal miners of ICEM NZ affiliate Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) struck for 48 hours beginning 22 April. Miners are seeking their union's national call for at least 5% wage hikes, while Solid Energy is offering 2.8% with a profit-sharing plan. Four more mines joined the strike actions that were initiated when 238 EPMU miners at the Huntly East and Rotowaro mines on 15 April.