[miningmx.com] – GOLD One International has issued an ultimatum to its
1,800-strong work force at its Modder East mine to return to work after they
embarked on an unprotected strike from the March 9 morning shift.
The company said in an announcement to the JSE that had adopted a no-work, no-pay
policy regarding the strike and had engaged with the National Union of Mineworkers
which represents most of the Modder East workers.
No official demands had been submitted but management believed the strike related
to the suspension of six workers who, in February, had forcibly removed a shift boss
in a protest he be withdrawn from his underground post.
“To date no formal dispute has been declared, nor has the company received a
notice of the commencement of strike action,” said Gold One.
“Under these circumstances the strike is unprotected and may constitute fair reason
for dismissal of the workers who participate in same,” it added.
Gold One said it was evaluating all options and that it had “… ensured that
contingency plans were in place to manage the impact of strike action and will
continue to keep shareholders informed on further developments”.
