The United Steelworkers is urging BC Premier Ms Christy Clark to abandon plans for Chinese-owned coal mines in the province northeast.

Last week the Steelworkers called for a review of the safety records of Chinese coal mine operators in light of the industry shocking record of deadly mine disasters. The union noted that in the previous month, five mine disasters in China had claimed at least 100 lives.

Since then, the Steelworkers have seen reports of another four disasters killing at least 22 workers. As a result, the union today wrote Premier Clark urging her to suspend plans for Chinese owned mines in the province.

Mr Stephen Hunt USW Western Canada director said "The conclusion seems to be obvious. He said that far from having anything to teach Canadians with respect to coal-mining technologies or standards as the minister of employment recently suggested, China record in coal mining 2,433 workers killed in 2010 alone presents an affront to any reasonable standard of occupational health and safety."