Nedlac considers Section 77 notice on mine retrenchments

Nedlac held a meeting today to consider a notice served by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) regarding possible protest action around retrenchments in the mines. The notice was directed at Chamber of Mines affiliated mines in the PWV area.

The notice had been served by the union in terms of s77(1)(b) of the Labour Relations Act, which gives workers the right to embark on protest action to promote and protect their social and economic interests, if they follow certain procedures. Nedlac is required to consider the notice with a view to resolving the matter through a process of facilitation.

It was agreed at the meeting that there were other processes underway and other appropriate forums in terms of Section 77(1)(c) of the Act that were addressing issues raised by the NUM. A meeting of the Gold Producers tomorrow would be considering some of the concerns, whilst the Gold Crisis Committee, which is a tripartite structure, would be meeting next week.

It was agreed that Nedlac's section 77 standing committee would consider the notice again once it was informed of the outcomes of these other processes.