Trade union Solidarity today said it would participate in a march at Assmang’s Black Rock mine in the Northern Cape on Tuesday 17 March. The National Union of Mineworkers (Num) will also participate in the march sparked by the company’s planned retrenchment process. Assmang is a joint venture between Assore and African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), mining magnate Patrice Motsepe being a founding member and executive chairman of the latter.

Management of the Black Rock mine indicated in February that it would initiate a retrenchment process due to operational requirements that include a decrease in production and higher operating costs. At this stage, it appears that more than 500 employees would be affected by the process.

According to Deon Reyneke, Head of Solidarity’s Energy Industry, Solidarity is not convinced that a retrenchment process at the company is justified at this stage. “We are of the opinion that the company should consider other alternatives before simply sacking loyal employees who have specialised skills,” Reyneke says. “In addition, the company must adequately prove that its financial situation justifies the planned retrenchments,” Reyneke says.

Solidarity will be a party in consultations at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) about the planned retrenchments. Solidarity represents approximately 480 members at the mine.

 

Issued by Solidarity