Mining scare tactics
Mining union slams industry scare tactics on jobs and climate change
Australian miners have accused mining companies of using scare tactics in a concerted campaign against Government efforts to tackle climate change. The CFMEU mining and energy union has dismissed industry claims that climate change action would cost jobs or national competitiveness, pointing out that employment in the mining sector is expected to grow strongly over the next decade.
Government forecaster ABARE has listed 74 mining, energy and minerals processing profit worth $80 billion that are in advanced development. These will create tens of thousands of jobs and the reality is that the biggest problem in skill shortages – not job losses.
CFMEU mining and energy division National President, Tony Maher said mining companies have been blatantly dishonest when talking about the impact of climate change on competition.
“This a bogus argument and they know it. An examination research conducted by the Minerals Council of Australia no more than five months ago reveals climate action will still enable substantial jobs growth across the country’s mining sector.”
Union analysis of the MCA study revealed that:
* The MCA study shows that there is strong growth in mining employment whether or not there is an Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).
* There will be 52,500 jobs in Queensland mining in 2030 under the Rudd Government ETS; an increase of over 120 per cent from the jobs number in 2006-07.
* There will be 26,200 jobs in NSW mining in 2030 under the Rudd Government’s ETS; an increase of over 60 per cent from the jobs number in 2006-07.
Mr Maher said that industry was simply scare mongering in a bid to squeeze more compensation out Australian taxpayers.
“The reality is Australian mining companies are extremely profitable and will continue to be well into the future under the Federal Government’s plan for tackling climate change,
“This scare mongering is purely a cynical bid of mining giants to squeeze more money in compensation out of Australian taxpayers.”
CFMEU Tuesday, 22 September 2009
right to strike on the environment
