Coal mining in South Africa
By SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MINING is set to grind to a halt as 30 000 South African mine workers down their tools amid demands for a salary
increment.
The workers, who are demanding salary increment of between 8,5 percent to 14 percent, have vowed not to resume work until their demands are met.
Mine workers at the Anglo Coal, Glencore, Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga, Kangra, Koornfontein, Delmas and Msobo Mine were on Sunday issued with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) certificate of non-resolution to the dispute, paving way for an industrial action.
“The conciliation came to an abrupt end this week when the parties could not reach an agreement over the R1000 for the lowest category and 14% for the artisans, miners and officials demand by the National Union of Mineworkers,” said NUM Chief Negotiator in the coal sector, Peter Bailey
Bailey.
He said Anglo Coal and Glencore were offering the lowest paid workers an increment of 8,5 percent for the artisans. Miners and officials were
offered 7 percent.
Bailey said Exxaro Coal Mpumalanga offered 8 percent for the lowest category and 7,5 percent for the artisans, miners and officials. Kangra was offering 7,5 percent for the lowest category and 7 percent for the artisans, miners and officials.
He said Koornfontein mine and Delmas were offering 5 percent for all categories while Msobo Mine offered 7 percent for the lowest category and 5 percent for the artisans, miners and officials.
He meanwhile condemned Anglo Coal for allegedly reporting the strike had been suspended until Monday next week.
“The strike is not suspended and it will continue as planned,” Bailey said.
Among other effects, the strike would have a bearing in the electricity generation since thermal power is also being used in the Eskom energy
national grid to augment electricity supply.
South Africa has over the months grappled with strikes in the mining sector. Some of the industrial action has turned violent.
– CAJ News