Deadlock in mining strike continues
"All we are fighting for here is money," said Magudulela. He further encouraged the workers to continue striking as the employer was feeling the adverse effect.
Production at Barberton Mines consortium which includes Fairview, Sheba and New Consort, was brought to a total halt on Monday.
Workers of both the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and those of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU), warmed themselves on the chilly morning with fires they made from branches they had used to barricade all roads leading to Barberton Mines headquarters at Fairview.
The protest started on Sunday evening when they denied vehicles transporting workers for the night shift access to Sheba mine. Early on Monday morning all workers of the three consortiums reported at Fairview where they blockaded the roads leading to the mine. Cars of workers who wanted to enter the mine premises to report for work were stoned and turned away.
Scholar transport buses, that were parked inside the Fairview compound, were also locked in.
These buses ferry learners residing at the three mines and surrounding farms, including Verulam, to school.
The buses were finally allowed to leave the compound at around 10:00 after intervention by the Department of Education Barberton circuit manager, Thoko Khoza. She arrived at the scene to request the buses to be released as the situation was affecting the learners.
According to Khoza, the grade-12 learners were expected to write their physical science trial examinations.
According to NUM regional organiser, Makhosini Magudulela the strike would continue until the employer met their demands.
He also thanked the new NUM executive committee for changing the perception that workers at Barberton Mines don’t engage in strike action.
“This strike is a protected one for all of you here (workers at Barberton Mines), irrespective of whether you are a NUM or AMCU member.
“All we are fighting for here is money,” said Magudulela.
He further encouraged the workers to continue striking as the employer was feeling the adverse effect. However, the mine management stated they would only tolerate the strike as long as Biox Plant management and staff were allowed to continue work.
The strike was expected to continue yesterday (Tuesday). Essie Estherhuizen, Barberton Mines human resources manager, said he was not allowed to comment on the situation. “I can refer you to our public relations office in Johannesburg and they will be able to come back to you tomorrow morning,” said Estherhuizen on Monday evening. Unfortunately, at the time of going to print we have not received any other comment from mine management.
The workers and mine management are now deadlocked on three demands. These are:
• An entry-level salary of R7 000 for all surface staff and R8 000 for underground staff.
• An agreement on salary increments for two years.
• Living-out allowance of R2 000.
