The protest started on Sunday evening, when vehicles transporting workers for the night shift were denied access to the mines.
Early on Monday morning all workers of the three consortiums reported to Fairview, where they blockaded the roads leading to the mine. Private cars of workers who wanted to enter the mine premises to report for work were turned away.
School transport buses 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.

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According to Sifiso “Bhodloza” Lubisi, branch chairman for the National Union of Mineworkers (Num), the strike was in regard to wages and conditions of employment after the CCMA certificates were issued last Wednesday. This was after both parties failed to reach a settlement.
“In an attempt to resolve the issues in dispute, as parties agreed in a meeting held at CCMA at Mbombela on October 4, the final meeting was held by both parties on October 10 at Fairview recreational club. The outcome of the matter remains unresolved, as both parties failed to settle on the issue in dispute,” said Lubisi.

He said the strike was their last resort. He said Num was willing to engage with the mine management but the management was, however, not willing.
According to Lubisi, the workers were demanding a salary increment of R1 000 across the board and a living-out allowance of R3 000. The management were, however, willing to offer a salary increment of R750 and an increased living-out allowance of R2 350.
Currently, the workers are receiving a living-out allowance of R2 250 per month.
Lubisi said the employees will continue to down tools until their demands are met.
At the time of going to press, the mine management could not be reached for comment.

Also Read: https://barbertontimes.co.za/158702/bton-mine-career-exhibition/