The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in KwaZulu Natal calls for a speedy resolution to the current impulse between RBM and its stakeholders that has led to force majeure. 

This follows a Shopstewards council meeting held by NUM members this week whereby the council unanimously agreed that implications of the force majeure are a direct attack on workers in general.  

The NUM is planning a mass meeting over the weekend whereby a decision will be taken regarding the hard felt force majeure implications on workers, utilization of employees days leave in order to mitigate force majeure implications, non-consultation of contractor employees when force majeure was implemented.

“The NUM in KwaZulu-Natal believes that whatever issues that are at stake between Rio Tinto and its shareholders/stakeholders have nothing to do with workers. Therefore, workers cannot be crucified and be treated as sacrificial lambs. Our members have been sitting at home for too long due to failure by the employer to address issues with its stakeholders,” said Muzikayise Zakwe, NUM KwaZulu-Natal Regional Secretary.

NUM calls upon Rio Tinto and GVT through the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy ( DMRE) to urgently address those issues, failing which workers will have no option but embark on mass action against the company and DMRE.

For more information, please contact:

Muzikayise Zakwe: NUM Kwazulu-Natal Regional Regional Secretary: 066 475 2246 or 083 417 1369