EFF Gauteng statement on the unfair dismissal of over 400 workers by Gold One Mine

9 January 2024

The Economic Fighters Gauteng strongly condemn the hasty, unwarrant4 and unjustified dismissal of 401 workers and the suspension of 140 employees by Gold One Mine, Modder East. This action is seen as a senseless attempt to find an easy way out of a long-standing dispute.

This reckless and insensitive decision follows a series of protests and sit-ins by mine workers in disputes to recognition rights for AMCU and the setting aside of a closed-shop agreement signed between NUM and the company, aimed at preventing other unions from representing workers. These protests began in October of last year, and the mine management has refused to resolve them fairly and good faith, thus making the relationship between the hostile.

Gold One Mine, like many other mining companies, continues to display arrogance because itenjoys excessive authority over workers and is almost always unregulated by the government.

In their pursuit of profit maximization, sometimes with the aid of readily willing labor unions and the collaborative ANC government, these companies oppress and exploit workers, treating them as providers of cheap and easily disposable labor.

The EFF condemns these illegal and undernocratic dismissals and suspensions of workers. Not only do workers have the right to organize themselves and associate with a union of their choosing, but they also have the right to be treated fairly even when disciplinary measures are instituted. Gold One Mine has no right to dismiss workers without taking them through a disciplinary process.

In light of the prevailing economic conditions characterized by poverty, underemployment, and unemployment, the dismissal of such a significant number of workers over rights of recognition dispute is extremely unacceptable and should be allowed.

The EFF calls for the reinstatement of these men and women who bear the responsibility to support their families. We call on Gold One and all other parties involved to find a solution that does not involve the expulsion and relegation of over 400 breadwinners in the face of a desperate economic situation in the country. The EFF leadership will also approach all parties to find an agreeable solution to the matter.

Issued by Nkululeko Dunga, Provincial Chairperson, EFF, 9 January 2024