Pike River Mine disaster

25 November, 2010 | ACTU Media Release

Australian unions extend their sympathy to the families of the victims of the Pike River Mine tragedy in New Zealand, particularly the relatives of the two Australian victims, William Joynson and Joshua Ufer.

In a joint statement, ACTU President Ged Kearney and Secretary Jeff Lawrence said: “We all shared the hopes that these 29 brave men would come out alive, but tragically that has not eventuated.

"It should never be forgotten that underground mining remains one of the most dangerous occupations there is, and that the men and women who work in the industry put their lives at risk on a daily basis.

"In the wake of the Pike River tragedy, unions, employers and governments must redouble our efforts to improve occupational health and safety in the mining industry."