Mining union seeks national discussion over Chinese interests in SA mines
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is outraged over the behaviour of the China Precious Metal Company (CAPM) in Orkney, North West.
The overseas mining company is refusing to implement any salary increase, while the workers demand the promised 8 %.
This has caused 69 mine workers to embark on an underground sit-in since Saturday.
The group consists of 53 male and 16 female workers.
According to NUM president, Joseph Montisetse, the management of the company offered an 8% increase in September last year but overturned the offer and decided to offer a zero-salary increase.
Montisetse says when a resolution was reached, the company reversed it's decision and disagreed.
"When we're about to agree, they change everything. Yesterday (Monday), we agreed that the issue of 8% and job grading will be put in a framework of three weeks to complete.
"But workers demanded that they should pay R2000 for living wage, towards workers that are not residing in the residence of the company.
"Workers said if we get the R2000 we will get out of the underground. So they (CAPM) put R300 on the table. What will workers do with that R300?, " Montisetse said.
He adds that the investment of the Chinese into South African mines is not working and they are calling on the governing African National Congress (ANC) - through the Department of Mineral Resources - to urgently convene a discussion between NUM and CAPM to resolve the matter and ensure that all workers are resurfaced.
This investment of Chinese and the mines in South Africa is a major problem. I think there must be a national debate because these people are coming from a country where workers have no rights.
"So if you bring in investors who are like that who doesn't have clear labour relations, its a problem, it needs a national dialogue this thing of the Chinese."