The union representing mine workers predicts the Department of Labour will be heavily criticised when the Royal Commission's findings into the Pike River mine disaster are issued on Monday.
The commission delivered its findings to the government last week.
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union says the commissioners are likely to deliver a scathing report on the role the government played in letting the department fall so badly behind in maintaining safety.
Assistant national secretary Ged O'Connell says the Government is likely to be in damage control as it seeks to explain the decisions taken leading up to the disaster.