MEMORANDUM OF GRIEVANCES TO CHAMBER OF MINES 05 SEPTEMBER 2015

We, the members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), working in the Gold and Coal Sectors have grown tired of Chamber of Mines’ lack of commitment to address our reasonable demands to improve our living conditions.

It is intolerable that after 21 years of democracy mineworkers are still trapped in conditions of abject poverty together with their families. While the mining executives and bosses have grown richer by the day.

The workers continue to take risks to face death and injuries at the workplace while bosses rake in millions without any threat of harm to their lives. 

Furthermore, we are aware of a systematic attack by the industry towards NUM and its members such as: 

- Nullifying secondment agreements so as to recall leaders who serve in the structures of the union on full time;

- Undermining negotiated agreements between the Chamber of Mines and NUM;

- Lack of transformation

- The growing attacks on NUM branch leadership intended to weaken the union on the ground; 

- Manipulation of membership statistics to disadvantage NUM numerically in this competitive environment.

In this regard, we have chosen to march to the Chamber of Mines today to demonstrate the urgency and gravity of our demands. As we stand here today, we also in no uncertain terms reinstate our rejection to the senseless and ridiculous offers made by the Chamber of Mines.

Against this background we wish to reassert the following wage demands:

- R9 500 entry level surface employees and R10 500 for underground employees,

- 15% for miners, artisans and officials,

- Maternity leave benefits,

- Living out allowance and better housing conditions

- Reviewal of Esops structures,

- Medical contribution of 70:30 ratio,

- Commuting allowance for collieries,

- And all outstanding issues in the collieries

Thus we urge the Chamber of Mines to ensure that conciliation processes starting on 7 - 8 September 2015 for the collieries; and 14 -15 September 2015 for the Gold Sector must yield positive and definite results and not pittance. The time of dancing on the same spot in different shoes must come to an end. The members of NUM expect nothing less than a tangible commitment towards a living wage and a better life for workers and their dependents. We commit never to give up for our demands as are a matter of life or death.

We expect a positive response on all issues tabled as demands within 14 days

Issued by NUM, September 5 2015