Mining agreement a step in the right direction - Solidarity

Trade union Solidarity today hailed the signing of a draft agreement aimed at stabilising labour relations in the mining industry as a step in the right direction in spite of Amcu's refusal to sign the agreement. Solidarity was one of the mining industry stakeholders that signed the document at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today. Amcu wants to attach various conditions to the agreement and reflect further before signing the agreement.

Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary of Solidarity, said that, in signing the agreement, stakeholders in the mining industry committed to active intervention in the socio-economic conditions of mining communities, the creation of a stable labour relations environment and a return to the supremacy of the law.

‘The acknowledgement by all parties that the majoritarian principle in labour relations must be reviewed and that trade union members' constitutional right to freedom of association must be reinstated is a significant breakthrough in the agreement. This event represents a watershed moment that will lead to the democratisation of the new labour relations dispensation, which will neutralise rivalry between trade unions.'

Du Plessis said that in terms of the agreement, the government committed itself to, among other things, enhancing its role in enforcing legal and regulatory compliance during strikes and protest action, thereby ensuring the protection of life and property and promoting the rights of South African citizens. ‘Employers, on the other hand, committed to taking forceful action against anyone who acts outside the framework of the law and company policy, which will also protect employees against any form of violence and intimidation by co-workers. Moreover, trade unions committed to giving their full cooperation in managing conflict in the workplace and to communicating and explaining the contents of the agreement to their members.'

According to Du Plessis, the success of the agreement hinges on all relevant trade union members' buy-in and commitment to the mechanisms that are implemented to ensure stable labour relations. ‘Any party to the agreement that does not adhere to the responsibilities assigned to it by the agreement will have to be brought to account by the relevant stakeholders. The agreement does not guarantee that the unstable labour relations in the mining industry will end immediately, but offers a clear guideline and framework for achieving stability.'

Statement issued by Gideon du Plessis, General Secretary: Solidarity, July 3 2013

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