NUM shocked by Lonmin's decision to cut 6 000 jobs 

24 July 2015

The National Union of mineworkers (NUM) is extremely shocked and saddened to hear that Lonmin is planning to cut 6 000 jobs.

This is a bloodbath of job losses in the mining industry. It is a tragedy for the mineworkers in South Africa. As the NUM, we are going to fight against any job losses. It is very painful to see that these mining companies take the decisions of cutting jobs easy. 

 This drastic action by Lonmin will leave thousands of mineworkers in a dire situation. The high number of retrenchments  will contribute to high unemployment rate in South Africa

"The NUM has been informed by Lonmin of its intention to retrench 6 000 workers. We wish that these job losses can be avoided and as the NUM we will do our best to engage the company to save jobs,"  said Erick Gcilitshana, NUM Chief Negotiator at Lonmin.

The NUM is not surprised that mining companies always blames the depleted metal prices in the market as their reason for retrenching. We are also shocked to find out that Lonmin has decided to close down Hossy shaft and place West 1, E1 and K4 shafts on care and maintenance

Statement issued by Erick Gcilitshana: NUM Chief Negotiator at Lonmin, July 24 2015