[miningmx.com] – STRIKING workers at the coal mines of Exxaro Resources would return to work today after agreeing to terms in which they would be paid a minimum R2,800 in a first quarter incentive.
The mines affected by the strike, which ran for more than two weeks, are Matla, Arnot, Grootegeluk, Leeuwpan, Inyanda mines, and Exxaro’s reductants operation. An agreement was struck with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
A no-work-no-pay principle applied during the strike, which began at some of the operations on 5 March, Exxaro said.
Exxaro said it was “pleased” with the outcome as it had “… averted the possible negative effect that a prolonged strike could have had on Eskom’s electricity generation and the country’s economy as a whole”.
The strike turned on the non-payment of 2012 performance incentives which were not paid as targets had not been met.
“The focus at the operations now will be to re-start operations as soon as possible after employees have returned to their duties and undergone safety and training interventions,” Exxaro said in an announcement.
