NUM condemns the Department of Labour over Aurora payments

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strongly condemns the Department of Labour in Springs over its inaction on the 2.3 million rands paid to it by Aurora Empowerment Systems at the end of November. Although the Department of Labour had promised the workforce its dues in early December, only a handful had actually received their monies.

"Over 96% of those owed had not received anything" says Philiip Joko, the NUM ‘s Regional Chairperson in the PWV region. "Instead, workers have been sent from pillar to post by the administrators in the Labour Department in Springs. Last Friday, they said workers must come collect their cheques today. Today, all the administrators argue that they do not know anything, they are new appointees" says Joko.

The National Union of Mineworkers is appalled at the manner in which the Department treats the desperate, poor former miners. "Workers are facing a double edged sword. They found themselves between the devil and the deep blue sea. On the one hand is Aurora , on the other is the incompent department" says Joko.

 The NUM calls on the Department of Labour to stop sending the poor miners from pillar to post and pay them as promised. "We are beginning to suspect that the department of labour lied about the money in order to protect Aurora " says Joko

Late last year, the Department confirmed that it has received 2.3 million rands for payments to the Grootvlei workers but only a handful has received their dues to date.

Statement issued by Phillip Joko, NUM regional chairperson in PWV region, January 31 2011

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