About 2000 workers affiliated to National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) at Glencore in Emalahleni Mpumalanga have downed tools. They are demanding payment of bonuses and a housing subsidy.
“The employer must respect the workers; the workers must be paid because they are instrumental in coal production. They must be paid bonuses, housing subsidy and provident fund 100%,” says Numsa National Mining Sector Coordinator, Lucky Ndlangamandla.
Glencore management says the strike centres on workers’ demands that mining operations remain shut during the December holidays.
The strike has affected coal production, as some mining machinery remains grounded. Mine management says it’s in a process of engaging workers in order to resolve the dispute.
The workers say their rights have been violated for a long time now, they have vowed not to return to work until their demands are met.
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