UASA
*UASA Statement, 14 November 2012 *
*A UASA member was stoned to death*
/Open letter from L.P. Grobler, Chief Operations Officer, UASA,
to the CEOs of Impala Platinum, Lonmin, and Anglo Platinum,
dated 12 November 2012/
The Platinum Mining Sector has been subjected to one of the most severe
strikes in the history of South Africa. It is safe to say that not one
Platinum Mine has escaped this.
Strikes that are not protected are spreading across, not only the Platinum Industry, but has escalated to Gold, Coal and even recently to the Agri sector.
The so-called "strikes" are well supported and it is evident from evidence that all workers "stay away".
It is the "stay away" action that UASA wants to address."Stay away" workers are treated in the same way as "strikers", yet there is a vast difference between the two groups. The "Stay away "workers do not form part, nor, even sympathise or support the demands.
They simply "stay away, "because they are intimidated, subjected to being "stripped naked "and being assaulted or even killed.
All of this because they wanted to report to work, so that they can continue to earn a living and support their families and loved ones.
The members of UASA joined our Organisation, because they do not want to engage in "mindless" unprotected strikes.
They joined us for protection, service and benefits.They joined UASA so that we can give them proper remuneration and other benefits.
They joined us because they are responsible and UASA is a responsible Trade Union.
It is therefore with sadness that we have learned of the blatant "murder" of a worker at Tumela Mine. He was stoned to death.
His "Crime" - wanting to report for work. His reward - Death!!!The employer has a responsibility, both merely and in practise, as well as in Legislation, to guarantee the safety of its workers.
If this is jeopardised and the employer fail in its duty, then UASA fail to see why good loyal workers should be penalised.
UASA members want to work; UASA members want to earn a decent wage: UASA members do not want to engage in unprotected strikes;UASA members want to mine, to ensure that the Mines remain stable and sustainable;
UASA members do not want to be intimidated, to not report for duty. But our members are not, "Super Herd s, "nor invincible.Our members bleed, feel pain and see others die and will succrumpt to intimidation,
They want to work to better their lives and that of their dependants, not to be sjamboked, stripped naked or stoned to death|
UASA therefore calls on Management to place specific safeguards in place to ensure their safety, to provide adequate protection against intimidation and to protect our member s income.
Our members are tendering their service and are willing to work. Why should they be punished! Please let them report for duty at designated places.Let them report to a dedicated call centre and please pay them, if they do report for duty, even though they cannot work.
"Not work" through no fault of their doing, but because the employer cannot or do not want to provide work for them.
UASA sympathises with the plight of the employers; BUTUASA demands that the Employers do not pena!ise our members that are willing and able to work.
UASA is prepared to meet and engage with management at any time or day.If we work together, we are confident that we can address this "dire straits situation, amicably.
We remain hopeful, for the "future we want". Regards, *L.P. Grobler* *Chief Operations Officer* *UASA* -- 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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