Workers at Vale’s Coleman Mine are off the job because of safety issues at a mine in Levack.

A source tells CTV about 250 TO 300 workers were told yesterday the company has concerns over the safety of a mine shaft that brings miners underground and back to the surface.

"As part of an ongoing maintenance review, a decision has been made to expedite some necessary repairs to the shaft’s ventilation compartment at Coleman Mine, which has resulted in operations at Coleman Mine being suspended. Impacted employees have been notified that their shifts are cancelled until further notice." said Angie Robson of Vale Corporate Affairs.

The workers have been told there'll be an update next Wednesday or Thursday, and to take vacation time as they will otherwise not be paid.