Strike action will continue at Ekapa Mine as wage negotiations remain unresolved.
STRIKE action will continue at Ekapa Mine as wage negotiations remain unresolved.
Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) embarked on an indefinite strike on August 7 in demand of a 17 percent wage increase and salaries of R17,500 for all workers.
The union is also demanding that housing allowances be increased to R2,850 and that medical aid be increased to R2,650.
Numsa regional organiser Tshepo Mokhele said a meeting was held with management on August 31, but negotiations are still at a stalemate.
“The employer is not budging from their offer of a 6.5 percent salary increase over the next three years. There is no social plan to benefit the lives of the people of Kimberley or workers who are earning R5,700 per month, where they are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table,” said Mokhele.
He added that they had put plans to march to the Premier’s Office as well as the office of the CEO of Ekapa Mining, Jahn Hohne, on hold until all other avenues have been exhausted.
Mokhele called on Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul to intervene in the matter.
“As the father of the Province, the premier should intervene in the interests of the workers. Another meeting is scheduled at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on Friday.”
Mokhele added that the June bonuses and the salaries of the striking workers for this month were withheld.
“The payroll runs from the 10th of each month, where workers should be paid for the shifts worked prior to embarking on strike action.”
A total of 38 striking workers were arrested on August 10 on charges of public violence, picketing outside their picketing zone and obstructing traffic during protest action.
Ekapa Mine general manager Howard Marsden stated that while negotiations were continuing, they would pursue disciplinary action against employees who were arrested in connection with the strike.
“Ekapa condemns violence and destruction of property in the strongest possible terms,” he said.
Marsden warned that striking workers could be prejudiced financially.
“As a result of the protracted strike action and Numsa’s unwillingness to lower their demands, absent workers will receive greatly reduced salaries this month.
“Workers will only be paid for shifts worked, while certain contributions and deductions, stipulated by the Labour Relations Act, cannot be withheld during strike action. These include pension fund contributions, medical aid contributions, Unemployment Insurance Fund, garnishee orders and tax deductions. These contributions will be paid by Ekapa. In addition, Numsa has not indicated that union membership fees should be withheld for the duration of the strike. As such, Ekapa will still pay these fees.”
He added that deductions could exceed employees’ earnings.
“Ekapa commits to covering these contributions on behalf of the employee to prevent any arrears. This shortfall will be reclaimed from employees upon their return to work. Printed payslips will be provided once employees resume work post the strike. Striking workers can request electronic payslips from Ekapa.”
Marsden refuted claims that they were “exploiting” their workers and that workers were paid entry wages of R5 700.
“The minimum wage entry for Ekapa is R13,000. The R5,700 mentioned by the union refers to a ‘learnership stipend’ of R5,858 applicable to ‘mine trainees’. These learners are members of the community; focused on school leavers and young job seekers as part of our community commitment to train, provide work exposure and experience to create a pool of candidates eligible for employment.
“The programme runs for a six-month duration and after completion of the scheme the learners are, where possible, employed at Ekapa. The learnership scheme has been a great success in increasing employment in the mining industry and has provided a solid foundation for those looking to enter the work environment.”
He added that workers were remunerated according to shifts worked, in line with signed agreements.
“Ekapa implemented a 6.5 percent salary adjustment for all levels of employees, other than the Numsa members of the A and B Band, covered by the current dispute. There is no one who has received a 17 percent increase, contrary to these claims in the media. Ekapa remains committed to a 6.5 percent increase as a fair and sustainable proposal for all employees. Ekapa reaffirms that salaries at the mine compare favourably with standard remuneration practices and falls within the parameters of labour legislation.”
Marsden indicated that the mine was achieving “reasonable production levels” during the strike.
“We would like to thank employees who have been able to maintain production levels in these challenging circumstances.
“Despite Ekapa’s efforts to propose a revised offer, communication with Numsa faced challenges including delays and a lack of consideration for counter proposals. The negotiation process continues and Ekapa remains committed to seeking a resolution. Ekapa was hopeful that a resolution could be reached with Numsa, but their position has changed and the matter remains at a deadlock. We implore all parties to negotiate in good faith.”
