Kellingley is due to take some miners from the Selby pits

Members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) at Kellingley are in dispute with the owners, UK Coal.

They have started legal action in a bid to stop the firm introducing what they see as anti-social working.

In a letter to workers, UK Coal says if agreement cannot be reached, existing contracts may be terminated and miners re-hired under new conditions.

The NUM held a 24-hour walkout on 8 March which, according to the union, was supported by all its 350 members at Kellingley.

Negotiating table

UK Coal says it wants to change working practices to enable it to absorb 240 miners who are being moved to Kellingley when the Selby mines close this spring.

It has always denied that NUM members are being asked to work longer hours.

In its letter, the firm says any changes will not take place before mid-June leaving "ample time" to get round the negotiating table.

The letter continues: "However, if we are unable to reach agreement you should be aware that we may have to seriously consider the option of terminating existing contracts of employment and offering to re-employ you on new terms and conditions incorporating revised flexible shift patterns.

"We should emphasise that the need for us to consider the option of termination and re-hire has arisen because your union has threatened to take premature legal action rather than enter into a constructive dialogue."

NUM branch secretary at Kellingley, Chris Kitchen, said: "UK Coal still wants to sit down with the NUM and negotiate a settlement.

"But how can you have meaningful negotiations with a company that is going to impose their will on you?"

No one from UK Coal was available for comment.