Frans Baleni, secretary general National Union of Mineworkers

Unions won't use strike as 'scare tool'

| Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:02 In an interview on ClassicFM @ 18.15 on 15 June 2009 [miningmx.com] -- THE National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is not keen to initiate a mineworker strike action, but it will if necessary, secretary general Frans Baleni said.

"Labour is not crazy about strikes. We start on the basis that we are positive that we can settle - it is in the nature of engagements of this magnitude, especially when you’re looking at long-term wage increases or agreements, that either you settle peacefully or disputes can be assisted by a third party, alternatively parties use their right to strike or a lock-out as is prescribed by the law," he said on Classicfm Classic Business.

Baleni said a strike could not be ruled out and the union is hopeful the various parties can reach an agreement without using strikes as a "scare tool".

"The relationship between labour and employers has never been equal. We move from the basis that employers have power in terms of the economy and workers are those who are selling their labour power and there's never any stage where workers get whatever they want - it’s give and take in negotiations," Baleni said.

NUM is currently negotiating with the coal, gold and platinum sectors with the diamond industry talks on the horizon. Talks with gold producers have deadlocked.

"The demand ranges between 15% and 20% with all other improvements required in terms of conditions of service, especially things like housing subsidies, medical aid, travelling allowances," Baleni said. The Chamber of Mines offered a seven percent increase for in the gold sector. The chamber represents AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields and Harmony Gold.

MORE RADIO WRAP

We're not looking for acquisitions, says Implats CEO Miningmx Mon, 22 Feb 2010
The MiningMx.com team debates the implications of the Mining Royalty Bill to the industry and speaks ...
Pan African declares war on criminal miners Miningmx Tue, 16 Feb 2010
The MiningMX team gets insight into Pan African’s war against illegal miners, reviews the past weeks ...
Nationalisation? Not in my life time Miningmx Tue, 09 Feb 2010
The Miningmx team reflects on the week long Mining Indaba and the launch of the 2010 edition of Rain ...
Metal Heads, April 20 '09 Fri, 08 May 2009
The Miningmx.com team takes a look at upcoming gold quarterlies, Pamodzi's provisional liquidation a ...