Union foresees ‘bloodbath’ of job losses
NUM fears mine mechanisations will destroy jobs.
IN the midst of patriotic song and dance at the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) provincial conference, fears of more mass retrenchments in the mining and construction industries lurked under the surface.
While over 250 jubilant delegates were attending the annual event at the uMhlathuze Municipality’s auditorium in Richards Bay on Saturday, an interview with NUM General Secretary Frans Baleni revealed the union’s serious concerns about growing mechanisation at mines across the country.
Baleni believes that in the struggle between man versus machine, man is about to lose out as more and more SA mines embrace modern equipment and new technology to do a lot of the tough work.
‘The industry has already shed about 30 000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, because of violence and platinum strikes since 2012,’ said Baleni.
‘Before 2012, the target was for 140 000 jobs to be created, but instead, we’ve seen the destruction of jobs.
‘Indications that the mining industry is now leaning towards accelerating mechanisation will heighten the unemployment figures further.
‘It will cause a bloodbath of job losses,’ said Belaeni. ‘Our view is that there is a serious need for a deep, meaningful conversation with stakeholders to prevent this.’
Coal mines have long been extensively mechanised to produce record outputs.
However, narrow hard rock mines, such as gold, platinum and chrome, have now also come to the party to essentially cut costs and create a steady stream of revenue.
Work conditions
NUM Provincial Secretary Bongani Manyoni added that while the union acknowledges positive changes made by mining houses, there is still room for improvement.
‘As we celebrate 20 years of democracy, we must ask – do we actually have a good story to tell?
‘Mine workers have certainly attained more dignity over the years, but we still have a long way to go in achieving fair working conditions for all workers in the country,’ Manyoni said.
