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The trade union Solidarity said today workers who are linked directly to the Lily Mine will not receive their salaries for April today; their colleagues working at the nearby Barbrook Mine will possibly be paid today. This followed a memorandum which was sent to workers around 12:00 and trade union leaders were informed about the surprising turn of events just a short while before that.

According to Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary of Solidarity, this announcement is in conflict with the expectation which was created during the mass staff meeting when the mine management and the business rescue practitioner also addressed the workers.

"It is deplorable that both the workers and trade unions were kept in the dark with regard to the payment of salaries after the mine management and business rescue practitioner created hope among the workers just last week," Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis is of the opinion that the workers are treated disrespectfully due to poor communication and the paying of only part of their salaries. "This action is unfair against workers who have already experienced a lot of trauma and uncertainty. The time has come to put the cards on the table in order for workers to have more certainty about the future," Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis further believes that the non-payment of workers' salaries will lead to the termination of all activities at the nearby Barbrook Mine where Lily mine workers are currently working.

Solidarity Helping Hand will hand out food packs next week to Solidarity members who are influenced by the non-payment of salaries.

Issued by Solidarity