New deal aims to stem mine job cuts
- Published on 28 Aug 2015
- HR Pulse News Desk
Crisis talks in the mining sector have yielded a commitment on new measures to save jobs and help make the industry more sustainable in the long term.
After meetings earlier this month and on Monday, a draft document outlining the far-reaching measures was circulated. The agreement, to be officially signed by parties on Monday, contains 10 key interventions to assist the sector in the short, medium and long term. It was set to be signed this week, but the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) asked for time to consult members.
Chief among the steps to be agreed between the government, mining companies and trade unions are that SA would promote platinum as a reserve metal like gold; that mines would sell off distressed assets instead of closing them down; rehabilitation of mines to keep people employed; and the streamlining of laws relating to labour. The proposals include the use of platinum fuel cell technology for energy, while a "Mandela platinum coin" similar to gold Krugerrands has also been punted.
On delaying possible retrenchments, parties came to a carefully worded agreement, saying that "all stakeholders would not unreasonably withhold the extension of the consultation period as per the Labour Relations Act". Job losses would be averted through layoff training schemes, possible extended leave, early retirements, a moratorium on current vacancies, retraining employees and voluntary severance packages.
