CFMEU Says Mineworkers Facing Layoffs, Job Losses From Floods

The floods may not be the worst thing that miners will be facing in Queensland according to the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). The CFMEU says that the mine workers in Queensland may also lose their jobs thanks to the heavy rains and floods.

The Queensland Resources Council has said that 85% of the mines in the state have not yet been able to return to full production due to the flooding. The worst flood disaster that hit Australia is gradually being controlled and as the situation returns to normal mining and agriculture are limping back into shape.

Jim Valery the spokesman for CFMEU said that the mines have not been able to reemploy casual staff and this is the same lot of workers who have suffered emotional, physical and financial losses during the floods. He said that now there was potential of a double whammy where they may find that work has dried up for a period of time.

He agreed that while safety has to come first there is a desire for mine workers to get in there and kick into productivity. Mine operators are still in the process of making sure that the sites are safe for the miners to return to work.