[miningmx.com] — THE National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) announced on Monday that it has declared a dispute with Kumba’s Sishen Iron Ore Company over non-implementation of a housing clause in the 2010-2012 wage agreement.
Sishen Iron ore comprises Thabazimbi mine, Kolomela and Sishen. The three operations employ over 8,000 workers.
The contested clause reads as follows: “The company agrees to assist with decent accommodation as per the mining charter within three months after signing this agreement for employees staying outside the 30 km radius. The parties will encourage employees to come forward for assistance. In the event that this cannot be arranged within three months after an individual request has been received, the company will provide temporary assistance to employees.”
“The National Union of Mineworkers is highly perturbed that the company failed to implement the terms of the agreement and failed to respond to date to letters of dispute.
“We can only hope they come to the party otherwise we will be left with no option but to call on a strike” said Eddie Majadibodu, a chief negotiator representing the Num at the company.
