Union to take part in talks with Solid Energy

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union says it will take part in mediated talks today with Solid Energy over the long-running coal miners' dispute, but not lift its industrial action.

But coal producer Solid Energy says it is considering its position, and claims the union had backed away from its own proposal for a return to work and a resumption of collective bargaining.

Solid Energy has agreed to mediated terms, proposed by the union on Sunday, for a return to work by miners at Huntly East Mine in Waikato and Ngakawau coal-handling facility near Stockton.