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NUM raises concern as Orkney mine workers continue sit-in

───   OLEBOGENG MOTSE 06:37 Tue, 21 May 2019

NUM raises concern as Orkney mine workers continue sit-in  | News Article
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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is concerned about the safety of 69 mineworkers who have staged a sit-in at the Orkney seven shaft in the North West.


The overseas management of the mine, owned by Chinese African Precious Metals allegedly refused to sign off on an 8% wage increase, that was agreed to by the South Africa- based management, resulting in angry mineworkers - 55 men and 14 women -  resorting to staging a sit-in since Saturday. 

NUM spokesperson, Livhuwani Mammburu, says they started wage negotiations with CAPM in September 2018, and he mine faced possible liquidation in December last year.

Following a meeting between NUM and mine Management - which allegedly was difficult due to difference in language - the management agreed to the 8% with “conditions that they can only link that to job grading if there is production and there will be no living out allowances”. Mineworkers, however, are not satisfied with this agreement.

Portfolio Manager at PSG, Amelia Morgenrood, previously told OFM News that the mining industry in South Africa has in the last decade been focused on reworking old mine dumps, and this is not creating jobs. "You add to that stringent labour laws, and you can see the challenges the mining sector faces."

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