Ulan Coal owner Xstrata said a strike by employees is in breach of their enterprise agreement, their contract of employment and is considered illegal under the Fair Work Act.

The employees did not provide management at the mine with prior notification before striking for 24 hours.

Xstrata spokesman James Rickards said the industrial action was taken by a group of individuals in response to disciplinary action addressing a serious act of misconduct.

Mr Rickards confirmed a statement was read at the start of shifts on Monday in the interests of ensuring all those responsible for the industrial action understood they were in breach.

He said the Company views the industrial action as a serious matter and is continuing to review the situation. No action has been taken to date.

The Fair Work Act outlines the processes available for employees to apply for and take protected industrial action.

The response comes after The Weekly ran an article on Wednesday stating the strike was over electrical staff being dismissed from the mine.

(Sourced from www.mudgeeguardian.com.au)