Numsa spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says that they will be in Labour Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday to defend the right to strike. This after thousands of mineworkers from the Impala Platinum mines in Rustenburg in the North West have downed tools yesterday. 

The spokesperson for Numsa, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, says that three mining companies have been exploiting workers and trying by all means to deny Numsa to represent them.

“Our members have been forced into embarking on a strike because they are tired of being exploited by these parasitic contractors. Workers employed by contractors at Implats are paid a fraction of what permanent workers are earning. For example, a Rock Drill Operator (RDO) at Implats earns a minimum of R17 000 per month, and they earn benefits like a medical aid and a provident fund. But, a RDO who works for one of these backward contractors will earn not more than R5000 per month with no benefits whatsoever,” says Majola.

She further adds that they are utterly disgraced by employers that expect employees to risk their lives underground for peanuts. Majola says Numsa also condemns one of the companies for attempting to undermine the right of workers to strike, by means of a frivolous court action. She says the company has also refused to engage with the union on demands of the workers. 

She says that Numsa will be in court to fight the interdict and to defend the strike.

OFM News