Issued by: Ministry of Labour
Date: 11 April 1995
The Ministry of Labour is very concerned about the liquidation of Primrose mine and the consequent retrenchment of some 1 600 workers.
Job losses during this time in our country when so many of our people are unemployed is something which, in our view, should be avoided by using all possible avenues to retain jobs.
The Ministry considers it important that business should rally in order to rescue the mine and ensure continued operation and protection of existing jobs. We would be fully supportive of endeavours to find parties to take over the mine.
In the event that government is requested to provide State Assistance in accordance with existing policies, we would support the relevant Department's submission to Cabinet.
If all else fails, we would strongly urge management to consider seriously the negative social impact of retrenchment on workers and their families when deciding on retrenhcment packages. Priority should be given to fair compensation for workers, many of whom have worked at the mine for up to twenty years. In many cases where liquidation occurs workers tend to be the last to be considered in pay outs after management has paid creditors and shareholders. We would urge management to exercise care that this does not occur and that workers get a fair deal.
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