Amcu protests job losses

Members of Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) on Tuesday marched to the Provincial Office of the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to hand over a memorandum of demands in protest against the plight of their fellow members who have lost their jobs in mining and related industries.
Krister Janse van Rensburg, Amcu’s Head of Department Organisational Development led the march and said over the years the mining sector has continued to shed jobs due to a contraction in labour absorption and labour intensity in pursuance of super profits.
Amongst others, marchers demanded that DMR provide a security net for workers affected by retrenchments due to modernisation and mechanism. “We also demand an urgent up scaling of skills and transfer and reskilling initiatives, as part of a skills development revolution. This should focus on giving affected and displaced workers the necessary skills to be absorbed during the Fourth Industrial Revolution.” Amcu also demands that the licences of all mines on care and maintenance must be revoked, and given to workers, communities and reputable entrepreneurs. Vinesh Devenhander, acting Regional Manager at the Department of Mineral received the memorandum but made it clear that he was not in a position to comment.

Story & photos: Herbert Rachuene
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