COSATU backs mine workers

The Congress of South African Trade Unions pledges its total support to the NUM workers at De Beers and the coal mines who are starting a strike for a living wage today, 25 July 2011.

These are workers who risk their lives every day, working for long hours in the heat and dust, often in unhealthy and dangerous conditions, to extract the mineral wealth on which our economy is built. Yet they are paid miserably low wages which in no way reflect the contribution their labour makes to the wealth of the country.

Their employers meanwhile enjoy a lavish lifestyle, with fat salaries and bonuses, created by the sweat and toil of the workers. The NUM is absolutely right to demand a living wage for their workers, especially with the latest increases in the cost of food and electricity.  Their demands are fully in line with the objectives of COSATU's Living Wage Campaign and will be supported by all workers.

The federation calls upon the employers urgently to bring a new offer to the table, but should they fail to do so, they can be sure that their striking workers enjoy the support of the entire trade union movement.

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, July 25 2011

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