About 100 workers stood down because of safety concerns at Wollongong Coal's Wongawilli mine are hoping they can be redeployed to other sites during the enforced shutdown of the operation by the NSW Resources Regulator.
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If work can't found at another site, they'll be cooling their heels without a paycheque until their usual workplace has been rendered safe.
The Regulator closed the mine down after a series of roof falls drew a major inspection, where it was determined the mine was unsafe. For the largely-casual contract workforce at Wongawilli, it was another setback after a difficult few years.
While Wollongong Coal owns the mine, it is operated by CAS Mining.
CFMEU district vice-president Bob Timbs said workers had met with company management and were hopeful many may be able to be redeployed to the Russell Vale mine, which is still in care and maintenance mode.
With the proper resources and the proper re-entry plan the mine can absolutely be made safe again
- Bob Timbs, CFMEU
There were also possibilities for redeployment to SIMEC's Tahmoor underground colliery, where CAS also has a contract for mining services.
"We have been in discussions with the company," he said. "The company has been considering redeployments to Russell Vale. The company will also require labour for the re-entry work at Wongawilli."
If work can't be found for the miners, however, Mr Timbs said they will be going without pay until Wollongong Coal can show the Regulator the mine can be safely re-opened.
"If not, then they'll just maintain the stand-down, or they'll terminate their employment," Mr Timbs said.
"This is why we say there's a major problem with labour hire - the companies can turn them on, turn them off, whenever they wish. The people that get hurt are the workers and their families."
Mr Timbs said the "strata management" issues were significant, but if the operation is properly resourced it can be safe.
"Obviously a roof fall in a coal mine is a serious thing," he said.
"But we're sure that with the proper resources and the proper re-entry plan the mine can absolutely be made safe again."