The Chilean miners trapped after a mine collapsed on them have today demanded overtime at double the normal rate of pay.
Trapped miner and Union leader Mr Juan Diagio said "We normally work nine to five thirty Monday to Friday with an hour off for lunch. We've gone from a 37.5 hour working week to a 168 hour working week with no negotiation or amended employment contracts. It's just not on. We demand overtime or we're striking - simple as."
When it was pointed out that it would be very difficult to reype an employment contract in the split second it takes for a mine to collapse Mr Diagio said "Don't get bogged down by details - we know our rights."
Speaking on behalf of the miners employers Mr Don Vegas said "My company accepts no liability for this accident but we will support all efforts to get the miners out. All overtime claims will be looked at fairly but they need to submit the forms first, which is obviously difficult for them as they are currently half a mile underground. But that's not our fault either."
When asked if he was concerned about the threat of a strike Mr Vegas said "They're not bloody doing anything anyway."
As Mr Vegas walked away he was overheard saying to his colleague "If they keep going on about it too much just block up their air hole."
