Hundreds of workers at Griffin Coal are facing a grim New Year with news of the appointment of administrators to the energy company.

AMWU WA State Secretary, Steve McCartney, has called on the state government to step in and assist workers.

“After a woeful 2009 for WA workers in the mining and construction industries, workers were hoping for more certainty and increased job security in 2010.”

“This decision couldn’t come at a worse time for Griffin workers and their families, who like other West Australians have had to shoulder the consequences of last year’s global economic downturn,” said Mr McCartney.

“The AMWU calls on the State Government to do all it can to ensure that another 500 workers don’t lose their livelihoods as result of Griffin’s financial position.”

“The Premier and his Energy Minister must act immediately not only to secure the state’s power supplies but also to make sure that another 500 families don’t get disregarded as others have in the past,” said Mr McCartney.