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The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) urges its members across all the sectors it organises to support and participate in the planned Cosatu’s 2-hour work stoppage on Friday 6 October 2023 to mark the World Day for decent work which is Section 77 protected National Action that forms part of observing the International Day for Decent Work.

Workers across the country demand and deserve decent work for all and a fair stake across all workplaces. The cost of living and the massive increases in the price of fuel are another painful further blow to an already battered economy and the struggling working class. 

The broader sections of the working class and the rural poor remained on the receiving end as this is manifested by mass retrenchments we are observing in the mines. The decisions by companies such as Sibanye Stillwater, Anglo American Platinum, Seriti Klipsprit Mine, Glencore, and Kumba Iron Ore to retrench are having a negative impact on decent jobs and job security in the mining industry across South Africa. 

There is a growing unemployment that is deepening inequalities and poverty. 

The work stoppage activities are protected by a Section 77 certificate issued by NEDLAC. No worker can be sanctioned or threatened for joining these activities. Any employer who seeks to do so must be reported to NUM and COSATU. 

Workers must be protected from injuries and deaths at the workplace in particular high-risk jobs. Each week we lose on average one mineworker. Decent work is important for workers in South Africa who experience often horrific working conditions.

Issued by The National Union of Mineworkers