26 November, 2010Police declare 29 miners dead at the Pike River coal mine on November 24 after a second massive explosion rocked the mine.
NEW ZEALAND: The International Metalworkers' Federation joined with its affiliate the Engineering, Printing, and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) in morning for the death of 29 miners declared dead on November 24 at the Pike River coal mine disaster in New Zealand.
In a letter to EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little, IMF general secretary Jyrki Raina said, "Our hearts go out to the families of the miners and to all of you at the Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU)."
The IMF expressed its full support behind EPMU's request to the government to establish an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances of the explosion, including a public hearing in front of a senior judge and leading technical experts.
The IMF is committed to continue working closely together with the ICEM on the campaign for ratification of the ILO Convention 176 concerning safety and health in mines. The Pike River coal mine disaster is yet another sad reminder of the importance for governments, including the government of New Zealand, to become parties to ILO Convention 176 and, in consequence, enforce strict health and safety standards in mines.
For a more detailed report on the disaster go to the ICEM website here.