Solidarity will fight to avert retrenchments in the mining industry, the trade union said on Thursday.
Mining contractor JIC Mining Services planned to retrench 657 of its employees, bringing its number of retrenchments this year to 1397, Solidarity spokesman Louis Pretorius said.
“Solidarity will do everything in its power to avoid the planned retrenchments,” said Pretorius.
“At this stage transfers are being considered as an alternative, but it is not yet clear how many employees will be able to avoid retrenchment in this way.”
According to Solidarity, JIC announced in an article 189 notice plans to retrench 281 employees at Hernic Ferrochrome as a result of the change in the service agreement between the two parties.
They also planned to retrench 376 employees at International Ferro Metals, since its contract with this company would not be renewed.
By the end of November, JIC planned to retrench employees at Hernic Ferrochrome in Brits and International Ferro Metals in Mooinooi, after similar retrenchments in September which affected about 740 employees at the Crocodile River Mine's Zandfontein and Maroelabult sections in the North West.
“Solidarity will attempt to negotiate alternatives for its members at the contractor,” Pretorius said.
“We are confident the retrenchments can be limited, since members of Solidarity at this contractor have scarce skills which are still in demand at various other mines where JIC already has contracts.”
JIC's human resources manager Andre Oldknow said the company was in consultation with the recognised union with regard to its operational requirements.
“I can confirm we have issued notices in respect of several business units, although I have not seen the statement from Solidarity,” Oldknow said.
“We are in negotiations with the National Union of Mineworkers and meeting with them tomorrow under the auspices of the CCMA.” - Sapa