Miners union threatens strike action over seven-day shifts

Coal
miners are threatening industrial action after the UK’s biggest coal producer
announced plans to introduce flexible working at one of its pits.

The
National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has accused UK Coal of attempting to take
the industry back to the "dark ages" by preparing for
seven-days-a-week production at Kellingley colliery in Yorkshire.

The
NUM said it was "appalled" at today’s announcement, despite company
claims that the revised work patterns will create 270 new jobs at the pit.

The
union said it would resist the imposition of flexible working and would
consider industrial action, if necessary.

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The
announcements come only two weeks after the Government gave UK Coal £36m to
develop its mines.

By Michael Millar