Johannesburg - Coal of Africa [JSE:CZA] (CoAL)‚ has
confirmed that the National Union of Mineworkers (Num) has embarked on
protected strike action at the company’s Mooiplaats Colliery near Ermelo in
Mpumalanga province‚ with effect from this morning Tuesday‚ 25 September 2012.
The strike action is in relation to annual wage
negotiations.
The company said it had proposed a fair wage and benefit offer
which amounted to an increase of 22% (all inclusive)‚ but the offer had not
been accepted by the workers. The Num then applied for and was awarded a
certificate to embark on a legal strike subject to the provision of 48 hours’
notice to the company on 18 September 2012.
CoAL immediately countered this through a Section 150
application to the Council for Conciliation‚ Mediation and Arbitration to
facilitate a discussion between management and the union to resolve
negotiations without the need for strike action.
“Unfortunately the mediation process was not successful and
resulted in the workers proceeding with strike action today. Consequently the
operations at the colliery have stopped. CoAL confirms that it will apply the
no work no pay rule in relation to this strike‚” the company stated.
Mooiplaats directly employs 368 people of which 176 are Num
members. The operation produces 6 000 run of mine tonnes per day.
“We will advise of any material developments regarding the strike situation‚” CoAL said.
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