PARTIES MEET TO DISCUSSJOB LOSSES IN THE MINING
INDUSTRY
7 April 2004
In a first meeting to discuss the Section 77 notice tabled by
the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) on job losses in the mining
industry, all parties yesterday agreed that solutions to the
problem needed to be found. The meeting, which was hosted by the
four-party standing committee on Section 77 notices and chaired by
Nedlac's Executive Director, Herbert Mkhize, was attended by
representatives of the Department of Minerals and Energy, the
Chamber of Mines and the Reserve Bank as respondents, as well as
the applicant, the NUM.
NUM's section 77 notice cites the socio-economic impact of the
strong rand on the mining sector, particularly the rate at which
jobs are being lost in the sector, as the reason for the possible
protest action. It argues that the outcomes of last year's Growth
and Development Summit are being jeopardised by the job losses.
General Secretary, Gwede Mantashe, stressed that its notice of
possible protest action constituted an appeal to Nedlac to
facilitate a process that showed commitment to arresting the job
losses, and that the focus was not on protesting per se, but on
finding solutions to the crisis.
During the discussions, parties identified several other
factors, apart from the exchange rate, which also impact on the
industry, such as administered prices, the efficiency of transport
logistics, and investment. It was agreed that a further meeting
needed to be held to draw in all the Government departments whose
responsibilities touch on these areas. In view of recent
developments with potential job losses as a result of Harmony Gold
Mine closing a number of shafts, the next meeting will attempt to
identify immediate measures that can be taken, as well as medium-
and long-term interventions that could help tackle the job losses
problem in the sector.
The next meeting will be held on April 22.
Background
The notice was tabled in terms of Section 77 of the Labour
Relations Act, which allows registered trade unions or federations
of trade unions to undertake protest action to promote and protect
the social and economic interests of workers, if they follow
certain procedures. Before embarking on protest action, the trade
union concerned is required to serve notice on Nedlac stating the
reasons for the protest action and the intended nature of the
protest action. The Act requires the Nedlac parties to meet with
the trade union and the parties at whom the notice is directed, to
consider the issues raised. Should the issues remain unresolved
after thorough consideration, workers are entitled to participate
in protected protest action 14 days after serving a second notice
on Nedlac of their intention to proceed with the action.
Issued by Nedlac
Contact Jennifer Wilson on 011 328 4211/083 652 8524