INTERIM SUMMARY OF NATIONAL UNION OF MINEWORKERS MEETING WITH UKRAINIAN MINERS UNION AND DTEK
IN PAVLOGRAD

DETAILED REPORT IN PREPARATION

A delegation on behalf of The National Union of Mineworkers of Great Britain visited Ukraine on the 12th -15th May 2009 to meet with representatives of the Ukrainian Miners Union in Pavlograd, near Dnipropetrovs’k.

Pavlogradugol (Pavlograd Coal) is a subsidiary of DTEK one of Ukraine’s major companies which is now an increasingly important player in the international energy market. The area consists of 10 mines which are privatised mines formerly owned by the Ukrainian state. They were privatised as part of a pilot project by President Kuchma in the 1990’s.

The purpose of the delegation was to develop contact with Ukrainian miners and to discuss common issues of safety, occupational disease, mining conditions and international developments in the energy market affecting coal and the development of clean coal technology.
In addition of importance to the delegation was the improvement of international relations between the miners or our two countries.

During the delegation the NUM delegates visited the Zapadno Donbas Mine near Pavlograd to see working conditions themselves.
The delegation travelled some 600 metres underground and on to the coal face.
The mine was fully mechanised and the delegation were impressed with new programmes towards improving to safety. Everyone was medically assessed before going underground. The delegation met with miners at work and coming off shift. All the miners at work had clearly defined jobs and appeared well trained.
Investment is clearly of importance to the Ukrainian mining industry; and production levels and safety at Pavlogradugol are undoubtedly improving. It was clear that the investment that DTEK had been able to put in place not only ensured high productivity levels, but also high levels of safety; and social support for the miners and their families.

The delegation visited a sanatorium for miners which serve as a preventative as well as a rehabilitative centre for miners. The centre is funded by DTEK as well as the miners Union and is an important facility. The dedication of the staff there was impressive.

It was also a great pleasure to visit the holiday camp for miners’ children.

Wayne Thomas , Area Secretary of the South Wales NUM and National Executive Committee member of the NUM said:

“Conditions at the coal mine were similar to those at my own mine, Tower Colliery. It was interesting to see that with state and company support, high standards of safety are strived for and that the union in co-operation with the mine owners had put safety at the highest level. Whereas there can always be improvement in safety it was interesting to see that there was a common purpose between the miners and the company to continually monitor safety and to seek to maintain improvements year after year.”

Chris Kitchen, National Secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers said

“International solidarity and contact between miners is increasingly important in our global economy. Our intention is to maintain and develop these contacts. As the world comes to grips with our energy crisis, coal in conjunction with clean coal technology will become increasingly important. Links such as those formed between the Ukrainian miners and British miners will lead to a greater understanding between us and greater co operation in providing the energy our countries need alongside improved safety and conditions for miners and their families.”

Chris Kitchen
General Secretary
National Union of Mineworkers