NUM
*NUM Media Release, 16 July 2012 * *NUM tells Rio Tinto to get off the Olympic podium* ?The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has urged the South African Olympics Committee to oppose the involvement of mining giant Rio Tinto in the London Olympics over its record on labour rights and environmental vandalism.
NUM General Secretary Frans Baleni has appealed to South Africa's representative on the International Olympics Committee Gideon Sam to intervene at the highest levels to ensure the London Olympics were not tainted by Rio Tinto's shameful corporate behavior and conduct.
"Rio Tinto presents itself to the public and investor community as a responsible and ethical mining company that is committed to sustainable development.
"However, its track record tells a different story. Rio Tinto has been the subject of criticism and legal action on allegations related to environmental damage, human rights abuses and labour violations in countries around the world" says Frans Baleni, the NUM General Secretary.
Rio Tinto has been linked to serious cases of environmental degradation and contamination in Indonesia, Africa and United States; forcible eviction of citizens and human rights violations in Indonesia and lock-outs of workers in the US and Canada.
Eight hundred metal workers in Quebec, Canada have been locked out since the end of last year from a profitable smelter because they refused a plan that put new starters on insecure work arrangements with half the pay.
"We fully support the mineworkers in Alma, Quebec and will take necessary action to show our solidarity and commitment to ensuring a resolution is reached immediately," said Baleni.
*_Contact_**:* *Frans Baleni, NUM General Secretary, 082 375 6443* *Lesiba Seshoka, NUM Spokesman, 082 803 6719* *Lesiba Seshoka (Spokesman)* *National Union of Mineworkers* *7 Rissik Street* *Cnr Frederick* *Johannesburg* ** *Tel: 011 377 2047* *Cell: 082 803 6719* *Web: www.num.org.za <http://www.num.org.za/>* -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] .
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