MT. ISA WILL TAKE MEN

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30677, 17 February 1965, Page 13

MT. ISA WILL TAKE MEN

(N.Z. Press Association—Copi/riphi) BRISBANE, February 16. Mount Isa Mines, Ltd., closed by a copper miners’ strike since December 15, announced today it would open its gates to employees tomorrow morning. The company’s general manager, Mr J. W. Foots, said work would be provided for all employees who were on the company books on December 14.

This was obviously aimed at excluding the striking miners’ unofficial leader, Mr Pat Mackie, who was disdismissed by the company before December 14. The only issue holding up a return to work by the miners is the question of Mr Mackie’s reinstatement in his job. Mr Foots said the company’s offer of work tomorrow was not conditional on a sufficient number of men turning up. Even if only a handful appeared, they would be employed, and the mine would be kept open indefinitely, he said. The company opened its gates on February 1, and 67 men reported for work. The company then said this number was not sufficient for the mine to operate economically. Mr Foots described the company’s decision as “a positive gesture ... to overcome the present deadlock."

I On December 14, the com- ! pany had between 2800 and • 3000 men on its payroll. Between 1900 and 2100 are . at present on strike. The remainder are staff men. , At the last mass meeting of . miners at Mount Isa, an esti- . mated 150 men voted to return to work. Mr Foots said if this num- ' ber reported for work tomorrow, it would be sufficient ; to start productionMr Mackie has offered to stand down, a Labour M.P. Dr. J. F. Cairns, said last night, the “Daily Mirror” reported. The newspaper quoted Dr. Cairns as saying in Melbourne that Mr Mackie had made this offer to union officials at Mount Isa in a telephone message from Melbourne where he is campaigning for support. Mount Isa Mines, Ltd., has refused to reinstate Mr Mackie after dismissing him last year. This is the central ! point which has stopped all work at the mine.