Workers suspended for not loading train, says union

Solid Energy today suspended workers who refused to load a coal train at Huntly, a union official says.

Talks in Christchurch between the miners and Solid Energy and its contractors broke down last night, Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said.

Workers at the Huntly East underground mine and nearby Rotowaro open-cast mine imposed an immediate ban on coal loading in the wake of the talks collapsing.

Workers at the Stockton open-cast mine at Westport were expected to impose a similar ban, but no other industrial action was planned at this stage.

The suspensions took place about 10am.

- NZPA