|
 |
NSC Home Page > EUAS Contents > Sheet B4 (trades unions)
Appendices
MODULE: THE LIMESTONE INQUIRY, 21ST CENTURY
Sheet B4 (trades unions)
Representatives of trades unions
You represent the trades unions involved in the work at RQH's quarry. At the Inquiry, you have to present your arguments in support of the extension to the quarry.
You and the other representatives should first read this briefing. Then discuss the arguments you will put forward in a two-minute presentation at the Inquiry. You may want to elect a single person to speak, or share it between you.
The main points of your case
You represent the people who work in the quarry and processing plant (187 in all) and many of those in consuming industries. The extension will safeguard their jobs for up to twenty years.
You also represent the 48 self-employed lorry drivers who transport all of the quarry output. The extension will safeguard their employment too.
Limestone from the quarry is necessary for the steel, glass and chemical industries. It helps to maintain employment in those areas too.
Environmental standards of operation have been improved considerably over the last 30 years. In almost all cases where dust and noise problems arise, people had not been following the rules eg driving down undesignated routes, and can be reported to the relevant authorities.
Ninety two percent of those employed live within 20 miles (30 km) of the site and almost half live within 5 miles (3 km). In at least two villages, well over half of the families are dependent upon the quarry for their livelihood.
The company spends £3.5 million a year on goods and services. Just over 60% is supplied by businesses within 15 miles, all in a rural area, where seasonal tourism is the only other major employer.
Two government bodies, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Regional Development Agency, support the company's case on the basis of employment, capital investment and the importance to the economy