NUM position on retrenchments in the mining industry

NUM Press Statement, 04 August 2015

NUM position on retrenchments in the mining industry

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) welcomes the decision by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to issue Section 93(b) to Glencore to suspend operations with immediate effect at Optimum Coal Mine in Mpumalanga.

Glencore failed to comply with section 52 of MPRDA which talks about the commitment of the social and labour Plan. This decision by the DMR must be a lesson to other mining companies that if they do not follow the due processes of the law, strong action must be taken against them.

NUM and COSATU meeting with the Mpumalanga Premier

The NUM and the COSATU delegation will today have a meeting with the Premier of Mpumalanga David Mabuza at 16h00 in Nelspruit about retrenchments in the mining industry in Mpumalanga. The NUM delegation will be led by William Mabapa, NUM Deputy General Secretary.

NUM to meet DMR minister tomorrow

The NUM will tomorrow have a meeting with the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi. The meeting is about a retreat on retrenchments in the mining industry. The NUM is extremely worried that thousands of mineworkers have lost their jobs since the beginning of this year until today. The NUM delegation will be led Joseph Montisetsi, NUM Deputy President.

Palabora Copper

The NUM fully supports the ongoing strike by members of the community in Ba-Phalaborwa, but we are strongly opposed to any use of violent means by the community to achieve their goal. We urge the community to embark on a peaceful strike and refrain from destroying the property.

NUM to hold a special NOB's meeting

Lastly, the NUM will hold a special NOB's meeting this coming Thursday to finalise the issue of Section 77 on retrenchments to NEDLAC. The NUM wants South Africa to be on a standstill.

For more information, please contact:

William Mabapa: NUM Deputy General Secretary: 082 880 4439
Livhuwani Mammburu: Acting NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

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