thisissouthwales.co.uk reported that around 25 mine workers have taken voluntary redundancy at the Aberpergwm Colliery.

The job losses are the first to be confirmed after parent company Walter Energy began formal consultation over plans which were believed to involve axing 90 of the 334 strong workforce.

It is understood that number is now closer to 70 and talks are still underway between management at the Neath Valley mine and union representatives.

The job cuts will affect workers across all pay levels.

NUM representative Mr Wayne Thomas said that "We still don't know the actual number of individuals who will be have to take compulsory redundancy. It is an extremely traumatic time for everyone. You can imagine morale is at its lowest point."

Neath Assembly Member Gwenda Thomas and her office have been involved for some time in trying to reduce the effects of redundancies at the Aberpergwm Colliery. Ms Thomas has been in personal contact with management of the mine and a recent meeting took place at which Gwenda was represented. The meeting was attended by Chuck Stewart, senior vice president of Project Development at Walter's local management team, and representatives of the Welsh Government's Education and Skills Department and Energy Team.
Ms Thomas said that "These redundancies are a terrible blow for the workforce in the Aberpergwm Colliery. The Welsh Government has been involved in efforts to mitigate the effects of these job losses, and will assist those workers who have lost their posts. I hope that production will soon pick up again at this colliery when economic conditions are better and these skilled miners will return to work."

Aberpergwm Colliery managing director Mr Rhidian Davies confirmed talks would be ongoing for another week and said that "If you look at global prices the world is not in a good place at the moment."

Source - www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

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