NUM calls for a peaceful industrial action tomorrow
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) calls for a peaceful and bloodless industrial action tomorrow in the platinum belt.
NUM members are not on strike and are expected to report to work tomorrow as the strike begins.
NUM signed a wage agreement on 11/12/2013 with Anglo American Platinum. Our members received increases and back pay on basic wages. Again this month they will receive back pay on allowances. The increases ranges between 7,5% to 8,5% in lower categories.
We strongly appeal to workers who will be going on strike tomorrow to respect the freedom of choice and freedom of association of our members who will be going to work. Our members must go to work without being intimidated and threatened with violence.
The NUM strike at Northam Platinum ended yesterday when the wage agreement was signed. It was a peaceful, bloodless and effective legal strike in the platinum sector. It has demonstrated that workers and their unions can undertake an effective peaceful industrial action unless galvanised otherwise by forces filled with ulterior motives. In this regard NUM calls for discipline to all workers who may undertake industrial protest to buttress their demands in the platinum belt particularly in the area of Rustenburg. We call on all stakeholders to respect the freedom of association, and for the right to life to be respected and protected by all workers, unions, the employer, and government.
We expect the same at Anglo Platinum, Impala and Lonmin. Workers can lead an effective disciplined industrial action.
We appeal to the police to be on the alert and protect workers who will be reporting to work . Again the employers must ensure safety of the workers who are intending and reporting for duty. Cases of intimidation must be recorded and security systems must be improved.
NUM remains the champion in the fight for better conditions of employment and wages.
Statement issued by Frans Baleni, NUM General Secretary, January 22 2014
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