Solidarity signs plan to limit retrenchments in the mining sector

31 August 2015

Trade union Solidarity today became a signatory of a comprehensive plan to avert the retrenchment crisis in the mining sector. The trade union, however, believes that the plan as such would not prevent retrenchments in the industry but that the commitment of the signatories to it, and its successful implementation would be decisive.

The plan comes as a result of a meeting of industry leaders earlier this month to address growing job losses in the industry. The plan was signed by all industry players except by Amcu. Signatories include trade unions, government and the Chamber of Mines.

Solidarity General Secretary Gideon du Plessis is of the opinion that the drafting of the plan accomplished co-operation and dialogue among the various role-players. “This stands in stark contrast with the Chamber of Mines’ ill-disposed actions during this year’s gold sector negotiations. Solidarity had accepted its offer precisely to avoid conflict with the Chamber, after which the Chamber declared a dispute with us. We therefore find it surprising that the Chamber today again emphasised that it wanted to join hands with all players and conclude partnerships while it rejected the hand Solidarity reached to it,” Du Plessis said. 

Du Plessis expressed concern about Amcu’s refusal to sign the plan. “Amcu missed a golden opportunity to commit itself symbolically to the sustainability of the mining industry and to establish itself as a responsible player. It is now key for the mining industry that all stakeholders should work together to find solutions to the many challenges the industry faces,” Du Plessis said.

The plan comprises ten points of action signatories commit themselves to:

1. Delaying the implementation of retrenchments;

2. Enhancing productivity and managing cost pressures;

3. Accelerated concurrent rehabilitation activities to create alternative jobs for mineworkers;

4. Facilitating the sale of distressed and other mining assets;

5. Other alternatives to avoid job losses;

6. Support for mineworkers in the event that job losses cannot be avoided;

7. Utilisation of the Multi National Companies’ Procurement Levy to also support employment opportunities for retrenched mineworkers;

8. Streamlining the processes for downscaling, updating the database and exploring fiscal instruments;

9. Investment promotion and market development;

10. The implementation of a communication plan to ensure responsible communication when possible retrenchments are involved.

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, August 31 2015