Union seeks urgent help for miners

The Australian Workers Union says the hardships facing Mt Lyell mine workers could be solved through a temporary increase in State Government mining royalties.

About 180 underground miners at Queenstown's Mt Lyell mine were asked to take leave last month after a mudslide halted work.

One month on and with no re-opening date in sight, workers are joining the dole queue as their holiday pay runs out.

The workers' financial plight was the focus of talks today between the Australian Workers Union and the Acting State Treasurer David Llewellyn.

The Union's Robert Flanagan proposed a temporary increase in mining royalties to provide wage support to the workers.

"He has given us a commitment to discuss that matter with the Cabinet," said Mr Flanagan.

The union is also asking banks to suspend workers' mortgage repayments.