SA: Howard says he s sympathetic about Oakdale

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-1999
SA: Howard says he s sympathetic about Oakdale

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says he's worried today's coal miners' strike will weaken
overseas buyer confidence in the Australian coal industry.

Mr HOWARD says the federal government is sympathetic to miners left without entitlements
after the closure of a mine at Oakdale and is working to find a fair solution.

But he says nothing is gained by strikes and any weakening in overseas buyer confidence in
the coal industry doesn't help anyone, particularly coal miners.

Mr HOWARD says it's not the government's fault the mine went broke and it's unfair to
categorise the government's response as one of indifference.

Employers and unions say there's been widespread compliance with the 24-hour national coal
strike, which started at midnight.

The coalminers' union called the strike to protest against the federal government's failure
to bail out the financially stricken Oakdale coal mine workers.

AAP RTV sn/tjd/shm/jn

KEYWORD: OAKDALE HOWARD (ADELAIDE)

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