However, most, I assume, have never worked for themselves, and cannot comprehend that payouts (being wages) cannot exceed pay-ins (the bottom line of sale).

Rather than be made redundant, which could be temporary, why not voluntarily reduce their wages as part of the payout, by the same percentage that coal prices have fallen?

Considering the high wages, at present, most reductions would still ensure their nett earnings would be more than that earned in a different profession (or on the dole).

It's called "give and take", a nasty phrase in the union dictionary, but not in common sense. It's about survival.

- Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek