All mineral wealth to workers
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1982 - 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/151168 , vital:39035
- Description: Since the formation of our Union the NUM has participated in a number of campaigns ranging from local and union specific to national political campaigns
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982 - 1992
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1982 - 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/151168 , vital:39035
- Description: Since the formation of our Union the NUM has participated in a number of campaigns ranging from local and union specific to national political campaigns
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982 - 1992
An investigation commissioned by the National Union of Mineworkers
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: July 1985
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134861 , vital:37212
- Description: The University of the Witwatersrand has a long established relationship with the mining industry. Indeed, its origins go back to the South African School of Mines established in Kimberley in 1896. (1). Since 1917, the Chamber of Mines has given direct grants to the University and its predecessors. In fact, the Chamber remains our largest private donor. Murray has shown in his authoritative study of the early years of the University that there have been occasions in our history when the Chamber has felt that it has not received a satisfactory return upon its massive investment in the University (2). On balance, however, the University can rightly claim to have served the Chamber well over the years. In recent years, the other side of the industry's history and social structure has been a focus of systematic investigation in this University. Here, van Onselen's Chibaro stands out : a pioneering attempt to create historically the social world of the compound in the early years of the mining industry in Southern Rhodesia. In our own Department, Moodie, Bozzoli, and Innes have all contributed to our knowledge of the social structure of mining.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1985
- Authors: NUM
- Date: July 1985
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134861 , vital:37212
- Description: The University of the Witwatersrand has a long established relationship with the mining industry. Indeed, its origins go back to the South African School of Mines established in Kimberley in 1896. (1). Since 1917, the Chamber of Mines has given direct grants to the University and its predecessors. In fact, the Chamber remains our largest private donor. Murray has shown in his authoritative study of the early years of the University that there have been occasions in our history when the Chamber has felt that it has not received a satisfactory return upon its massive investment in the University (2). On balance, however, the University can rightly claim to have served the Chamber well over the years. In recent years, the other side of the industry's history and social structure has been a focus of systematic investigation in this University. Here, van Onselen's Chibaro stands out : a pioneering attempt to create historically the social world of the compound in the early years of the mining industry in Southern Rhodesia. In our own Department, Moodie, Bozzoli, and Innes have all contributed to our knowledge of the social structure of mining.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1985
Commission of inquiry to investigate the development of a comprehensive labour market policy
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250662 , vital:52036
- Description: In 1985, the Central Statistical Services and the Chamber of Mines ceased publishing a racial breakdown of mining industry employment. This marked the end of a statistical series that dated back for almost 100 years. Since 1985, there is no official series of racially segmented data for the mining industry, while the racial breakdown of employment in all other sectors of the economy was published up until 1992. From 1993, the Central Statistical Services introduced a new “Unspecified Race” category into its published employment data, making the identification of trends in employment and income by race less certain. The statistical information on racial issues in this submission must reflect these difficulties with the data. In respect of gold and coal mines that are members of the Chamber of Mines, the Chamber periodically has made available unpublished information on employment and total wages after 1985, grouped into “skilled employees” and “unskilled / semi-skilled employees.” Until about 1989, when legal barriers to the employment of blacks in skilled jobs were removed, the two Chamber categories reflect the old “White” and “Non-White” categories used by the Chamber before 1986. Since 1989, a small, but slowly increasing number, of skilled workers have been black, but this has not been taken into account in any of the statistics presented for the gold and the coal sectors. “Black” employment in the gold and coal mining industry thus refers to employees in Categories 1 to 8, the only groups for which the NUM currently bargains with Chamber member mines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/250662 , vital:52036
- Description: In 1985, the Central Statistical Services and the Chamber of Mines ceased publishing a racial breakdown of mining industry employment. This marked the end of a statistical series that dated back for almost 100 years. Since 1985, there is no official series of racially segmented data for the mining industry, while the racial breakdown of employment in all other sectors of the economy was published up until 1992. From 1993, the Central Statistical Services introduced a new “Unspecified Race” category into its published employment data, making the identification of trends in employment and income by race less certain. The statistical information on racial issues in this submission must reflect these difficulties with the data. In respect of gold and coal mines that are members of the Chamber of Mines, the Chamber periodically has made available unpublished information on employment and total wages after 1985, grouped into “skilled employees” and “unskilled / semi-skilled employees.” Until about 1989, when legal barriers to the employment of blacks in skilled jobs were removed, the two Chamber categories reflect the old “White” and “Non-White” categories used by the Chamber before 1986. Since 1989, a small, but slowly increasing number, of skilled workers have been black, but this has not been taken into account in any of the statistics presented for the gold and the coal sectors. “Black” employment in the gold and coal mining industry thus refers to employees in Categories 1 to 8, the only groups for which the NUM currently bargains with Chamber member mines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
Fifth national congress - Annual report
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154199 , vital:39620
- Description: 1986 was a tumultuous year as mineworkers waged gallant battles on many fronts. It was a year when mineworkers were continuously compelled to take militant action to advance not only their cause as mineworkers but to advance the liberation struggle. The State of Emergency brought about a level of dedication and commitment amongst mineworkers that had never been experienced before as several structures of the union had to function without their leaders for some time. The intransigence of bosses in wage negotiations propelled mineworkers to unprecedented levels of militancy and compelled many employers to capitulate in the end. 1986 saw mineworkers participating in many more strikes than other workers and their participation in nationwide stayaways was clear evidence that "THE MINERS HAVE ARRIVED."
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/154199 , vital:39620
- Description: 1986 was a tumultuous year as mineworkers waged gallant battles on many fronts. It was a year when mineworkers were continuously compelled to take militant action to advance not only their cause as mineworkers but to advance the liberation struggle. The State of Emergency brought about a level of dedication and commitment amongst mineworkers that had never been experienced before as several structures of the union had to function without their leaders for some time. The intransigence of bosses in wage negotiations propelled mineworkers to unprecedented levels of militancy and compelled many employers to capitulate in the end. 1986 saw mineworkers participating in many more strikes than other workers and their participation in nationwide stayaways was clear evidence that "THE MINERS HAVE ARRIVED."
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
NUM press cutting service
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168592 , vital:41628
- Description: The African National Congress, 75 years old tomorrow, is no longer being written off in South Africa as “the world’s least successful terrorist organisation.” The black nationalist movement, which turned to violence after it was banned in 1960, is nowhere near a classic guerilla' victory in its fight for majority rule. But after three years of unprecedented black revolt in South Africa's townships, it has won recognition from the Government as its main enemy and a major security threat. Political analysts say this has in turn helped the outlawed ANC boost its overt political support in the townships — an increasingly important goal since it accepted how South African conditions impede conventional guerilla warfare. South African Government sources used to pour scorn on the ANC’s guerilla operations and it justified crackdowns on dissent by speaking in general terms of an international, communist-backed' "total onslaught" against its rule.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/168592 , vital:41628
- Description: The African National Congress, 75 years old tomorrow, is no longer being written off in South Africa as “the world’s least successful terrorist organisation.” The black nationalist movement, which turned to violence after it was banned in 1960, is nowhere near a classic guerilla' victory in its fight for majority rule. But after three years of unprecedented black revolt in South Africa's townships, it has won recognition from the Government as its main enemy and a major security threat. Political analysts say this has in turn helped the outlawed ANC boost its overt political support in the townships — an increasingly important goal since it accepted how South African conditions impede conventional guerilla warfare. South African Government sources used to pour scorn on the ANC’s guerilla operations and it justified crackdowns on dissent by speaking in general terms of an international, communist-backed' "total onslaught" against its rule.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Eskom wage arbitration
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Oct 1988
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134905 , vital:37216
- Description: Eskom increased the wages of general workers by 10% from 1 July- 1988, after the unions had rejected a 12% offer. The trade unions declared a dispute with Eskom, and have demanded a 20% wage increase (including the 10% increase implemented unilaterally), to be backdated to 1 July 1988. This document outlines the case for a higher wage increase than that granted by Eskom. All the wage calculations and projections assume that the increased wage will be back-dated to 1 July 1988. This report has been written by the Collective Bargaining Department of the National Union of Mineworkers in collaboration with the Labour Research Service in Cape Town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1988
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Oct 1988
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134905 , vital:37216
- Description: Eskom increased the wages of general workers by 10% from 1 July- 1988, after the unions had rejected a 12% offer. The trade unions declared a dispute with Eskom, and have demanded a 20% wage increase (including the 10% increase implemented unilaterally), to be backdated to 1 July 1988. This document outlines the case for a higher wage increase than that granted by Eskom. All the wage calculations and projections assume that the increased wage will be back-dated to 1 July 1988. This report has been written by the Collective Bargaining Department of the National Union of Mineworkers in collaboration with the Labour Research Service in Cape Town.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Oct 1988
Eskom 1989 Negotiations forth report back
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: July 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134953 , vital:37221
- Description: Sixty representatives from four unions attended a mammoth mediation session at the Esxom College on Thursday 27 July. The mediation lasted until 11.30 pm at night. Eskom has given its final offer for increases for the General Workers in July 1989.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1989
- Authors: NUM
- Date: July 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134953 , vital:37221
- Description: Sixty representatives from four unions attended a mammoth mediation session at the Esxom College on Thursday 27 July. The mediation lasted until 11.30 pm at night. Eskom has given its final offer for increases for the General Workers in July 1989.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: July 1989
Eskom 1989 Negotiations report back
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134893 , vital:37215
- Description: Eskom has paid wage increases to salaried staff backdated to 1 April 1989. The NUM has NOT agreed with these increases because they are too low. We are not allowed to go on strike at Eskom - we have to get an arbitrator to decide if the increases must be bigger.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134893 , vital:37215
- Description: Eskom has paid wage increases to salaried staff backdated to 1 April 1989. The NUM has NOT agreed with these increases because they are too low. We are not allowed to go on strike at Eskom - we have to get an arbitrator to decide if the increases must be bigger.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Eskom wage negotiations for general workers 1989
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134916 , vital:37217
- Description: Eskom started the 1989 wage negotiations with an offer of 7% on average. They said this offer is ail they need to make to keep their relative position in the labour market. we believe that the Eskom offer is contrary to the substance and spirit of Arbitration Award which forced Eskom, in 1988, to grant a 14,8% average increase in place of the 10% average increase Eskom implemented unilaterally m July last year. Dr Dry, the Eskom personnel manager, read out from an NUM pamphlet issued after the arbitrators raised the wages. He read out this one sentence. Today, through unity, the minimum wage rates as Eskom are amongst the highest in the country for workers living in compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/134916 , vital:37217
- Description: Eskom started the 1989 wage negotiations with an offer of 7% on average. They said this offer is ail they need to make to keep their relative position in the labour market. we believe that the Eskom offer is contrary to the substance and spirit of Arbitration Award which forced Eskom, in 1988, to grant a 14,8% average increase in place of the 10% average increase Eskom implemented unilaterally m July last year. Dr Dry, the Eskom personnel manager, read out from an NUM pamphlet issued after the arbitrators raised the wages. He read out this one sentence. Today, through unity, the minimum wage rates as Eskom are amongst the highest in the country for workers living in compounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
NUM Biennial report
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149589 , vital:38866
- Description: Since the Fifth National Congress in 1987 where our union adopted the Freedom Charter and charted a clear political direction for the NUM, many gallant battles have been waged by the mineworkers on many fronts. 1987 was the year in which our union launched its campaign to effect control of miners working lives. It was a year when mineworkers took control indeed in keeping with the Fifth Congress Slogan -"1987 THE YEAR MINEWORKERS TAKE CONTROL", as many comrades began to take over the hostels, particularly in the Witbank Region which resulted in families moving into the hostels for a period of time. Although the process remained uneven, the initiative was an important indicator of the willingness of the workers to take action and implement resolutions adopted by our union. In spite of the existence of the State of Emergency, the dedication, commitment, spirit and enthusiasm of mineworkers remained high. 1987 was also the year in which the NUM made its mark on the mining industry with the historic Great Miners Strike. This action, involving over 340 000 workers was the biggest of its kind in South African Labour History, and also the biggest action by workers of its kind on the African continent. We challenged some of the fundamental policies of the mining industry, in particular, the concept of poverty wages which has become one of the major battle grounds for our union. Despite mass dismissals of 50 000 workers, our union has remained and continues to mobilise and organise mineworkers against the oppressive and exploitative conditions. 1987 will certainly go down in history as the year of mass action by mineworkers throughout South Africa. It is well known that the strike did affect our organisation in many areas. Actions by management to roll back the gains of our union continued unabated after the strike right through until now.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149589 , vital:38866
- Description: Since the Fifth National Congress in 1987 where our union adopted the Freedom Charter and charted a clear political direction for the NUM, many gallant battles have been waged by the mineworkers on many fronts. 1987 was the year in which our union launched its campaign to effect control of miners working lives. It was a year when mineworkers took control indeed in keeping with the Fifth Congress Slogan -"1987 THE YEAR MINEWORKERS TAKE CONTROL", as many comrades began to take over the hostels, particularly in the Witbank Region which resulted in families moving into the hostels for a period of time. Although the process remained uneven, the initiative was an important indicator of the willingness of the workers to take action and implement resolutions adopted by our union. In spite of the existence of the State of Emergency, the dedication, commitment, spirit and enthusiasm of mineworkers remained high. 1987 was also the year in which the NUM made its mark on the mining industry with the historic Great Miners Strike. This action, involving over 340 000 workers was the biggest of its kind in South African Labour History, and also the biggest action by workers of its kind on the African continent. We challenged some of the fundamental policies of the mining industry, in particular, the concept of poverty wages which has become one of the major battle grounds for our union. Despite mass dismissals of 50 000 workers, our union has remained and continues to mobilise and organise mineworkers against the oppressive and exploitative conditions. 1987 will certainly go down in history as the year of mass action by mineworkers throughout South Africa. It is well known that the strike did affect our organisation in many areas. Actions by management to roll back the gains of our union continued unabated after the strike right through until now.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
Job creation scheme in the United States in the depression
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169055 , vital:41679
- Description: During the 1930's the world experienced the most wide-spread and severe economic depression in its history. The beginning of the Great Depression was signalled by the great crash on the New York Stock Exchange in 1929.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/169055 , vital:41679
- Description: During the 1930's the world experienced the most wide-spread and severe economic depression in its history. The beginning of the Great Depression was signalled by the great crash on the New York Stock Exchange in 1929.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
NUM Biennial report - 1991 Seventh national congress
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149605 , vital:38868
- Description: Over two years have passed since our last Congress and many developments have taken place in our industry and the country. Most significant of these developments was the release of our Honorory Life President Comrade Nelson Mandela and the other political prisoners together with the unbanning of the the African National Congress and other political parties. These developments are the fruits of our struggle, a struggle so many have sacrificed so much for. These developments are the culmination of our victory over the evil system of apartheid. These developments came about as a result of the sustained assault against the edifice of apartheid mounted by our people and the international community. It is true that the political and social landscape in the country has changed and that new challenges await mineworkers, our union and all the patriotic forces in the struggle to transform our country into a genuine democracy and a prosperous country. The edifice of Aparthied has been under constant siege forcing the government to sytematically dismantle discriminatory legislation. Whilst we have to fully acknowledge that this process is taking place, we will be naive to believe that the institutions, legacy and culture that was fostered over decades will vanish with the removal of apartheid laws. We need to be constantly vigilant against the introduction of neo-apartheid in the place of apartheid. It requires much more than the removal of laws to address the historical inequities of Apartheid and racism that remains deep in the fabric of our social, economic and political life. Through all the developments we are proud to state that mineworkers have not only made their contribution in bringing about the demise of the apartheid system but have made their mark as one of the most militant sectors of the struggling masses. Together with thousands of others we have been able to shift the balance of power near to our goal of a non racial democracy. Our assessment of these developments and what the implications are for the future will be assessed in this report to Congress. As these historic developments have been taking place our industry has been experiencing severe problems with increased job losses and a low gold price. The fight for job security and the restructuring of the mining industry requires immediate attention. Our endeavours over the last two years will be evaluated and some suggestions of a future strategy will be outlined for consideration. Progess and development is often accompanied with setbacks and diversions. It is important that we acknowleges these so that our union can strenghten where it is weak and consolidate where it must. This biennial report examines the socio-economic and socio-political developments in the country and the industry since our last Congress, and assesses the achievements and future possibilities and challenges for the union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149605 , vital:38868
- Description: Over two years have passed since our last Congress and many developments have taken place in our industry and the country. Most significant of these developments was the release of our Honorory Life President Comrade Nelson Mandela and the other political prisoners together with the unbanning of the the African National Congress and other political parties. These developments are the fruits of our struggle, a struggle so many have sacrificed so much for. These developments are the culmination of our victory over the evil system of apartheid. These developments came about as a result of the sustained assault against the edifice of apartheid mounted by our people and the international community. It is true that the political and social landscape in the country has changed and that new challenges await mineworkers, our union and all the patriotic forces in the struggle to transform our country into a genuine democracy and a prosperous country. The edifice of Aparthied has been under constant siege forcing the government to sytematically dismantle discriminatory legislation. Whilst we have to fully acknowledge that this process is taking place, we will be naive to believe that the institutions, legacy and culture that was fostered over decades will vanish with the removal of apartheid laws. We need to be constantly vigilant against the introduction of neo-apartheid in the place of apartheid. It requires much more than the removal of laws to address the historical inequities of Apartheid and racism that remains deep in the fabric of our social, economic and political life. Through all the developments we are proud to state that mineworkers have not only made their contribution in bringing about the demise of the apartheid system but have made their mark as one of the most militant sectors of the struggling masses. Together with thousands of others we have been able to shift the balance of power near to our goal of a non racial democracy. Our assessment of these developments and what the implications are for the future will be assessed in this report to Congress. As these historic developments have been taking place our industry has been experiencing severe problems with increased job losses and a low gold price. The fight for job security and the restructuring of the mining industry requires immediate attention. Our endeavours over the last two years will be evaluated and some suggestions of a future strategy will be outlined for consideration. Progess and development is often accompanied with setbacks and diversions. It is important that we acknowleges these so that our union can strenghten where it is weak and consolidate where it must. This biennial report examines the socio-economic and socio-political developments in the country and the industry since our last Congress, and assesses the achievements and future possibilities and challenges for the union.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Assessment of the profit sharing schemes
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149616 , vital:38869
- Description: In 1991 and 1992, the NUM accepted basic wage Increases on the gold mines that were far below the annual Inflation rate because of the crisis in the industry. The priority of the union was to preserve employment. But this left the door wide open for rich mines (like Kloof, Elandsrand and Vaal Reefs) to hide behind the low increases that are set in the Chamber negotiations at levels that Freegold, Buffelsfontein and marginal mines can live with. The NUM decided that workers need a way of adding more money onto their wages If the mines can afford to pay more.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149616 , vital:38869
- Description: In 1991 and 1992, the NUM accepted basic wage Increases on the gold mines that were far below the annual Inflation rate because of the crisis in the industry. The priority of the union was to preserve employment. But this left the door wide open for rich mines (like Kloof, Elandsrand and Vaal Reefs) to hide behind the low increases that are set in the Chamber negotiations at levels that Freegold, Buffelsfontein and marginal mines can live with. The NUM decided that workers need a way of adding more money onto their wages If the mines can afford to pay more.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
NUM Memorandum - State policy on the crisis in the Gold mining industry
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: June 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149541 , vital:38862
- Description: The National Union of Mineworkers has asked for a meeting with the Minister to highlight the severe social and economic effects that are caused by the low rand gold price and the consequent rationalisation measures that are being implemented by the gold mines. The severity of the crisis is well illustrated by the case of the Harmony Gold Mine in the Orange Free State. This is the largest of the so-called "marginal" gold mines and last week it retrenched over 6 000 workers. The gold mines have cut back over 130 000 jobs over the last five years. The job cuts have speeded up again in 1992 as the gold price has continued at low levels. The NUM expressed its deep concern at this contraction in the gold industry most strongly at the Summit on the Future of the Mining Industry in June 1992. This meeting was attended by mining houses, the trade unions and several state departments. The NUM made a plea for a national plan and a national policy to regulate and manage the process of down-scaling. Despite the formation of a Summit Steering Committee to consider this and other proposals, and a whole series of working-group meetings involving all parties, nothing practical has come out of the process to address the issue of down-scaling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: June 1992
- Authors: NUM
- Date: June 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149541 , vital:38862
- Description: The National Union of Mineworkers has asked for a meeting with the Minister to highlight the severe social and economic effects that are caused by the low rand gold price and the consequent rationalisation measures that are being implemented by the gold mines. The severity of the crisis is well illustrated by the case of the Harmony Gold Mine in the Orange Free State. This is the largest of the so-called "marginal" gold mines and last week it retrenched over 6 000 workers. The gold mines have cut back over 130 000 jobs over the last five years. The job cuts have speeded up again in 1992 as the gold price has continued at low levels. The NUM expressed its deep concern at this contraction in the gold industry most strongly at the Summit on the Future of the Mining Industry in June 1992. This meeting was attended by mining houses, the trade unions and several state departments. The NUM made a plea for a national plan and a national policy to regulate and manage the process of down-scaling. Despite the formation of a Summit Steering Committee to consider this and other proposals, and a whole series of working-group meetings involving all parties, nothing practical has come out of the process to address the issue of down-scaling.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: June 1992
The need for state assistance to the Gold Mining Industry
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Jun 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112492 , vital:33600
- Description: The NUM’s objectives for the mining industry are simple and straightforward. They include the following: The elimination of racism in the mining industry, The payment of fair wages to all mineworkers, The establishment of decent living conditions for workers and an end to the evils of the migrant labour system, Improved health and safety and other working conditions, Proper, broad-based training for mineworkers, Care for workers downscaling of mining and the development of an economically viable mining sector that is run in a humane and participatory manner. It is plain under the system, both of which are profoundly oppressive a That is why the NUM has always taken a strong political stance. Our belief is that there needs to be a thorough-going RESTRUCTURING and re-organisation of the mining sector before the goals of our union can be met. The burning issue that threatens progress towards our objectives, however, is the economic crisis in the gold industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Jun 1992
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Jun 1992
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/112492 , vital:33600
- Description: The NUM’s objectives for the mining industry are simple and straightforward. They include the following: The elimination of racism in the mining industry, The payment of fair wages to all mineworkers, The establishment of decent living conditions for workers and an end to the evils of the migrant labour system, Improved health and safety and other working conditions, Proper, broad-based training for mineworkers, Care for workers downscaling of mining and the development of an economically viable mining sector that is run in a humane and participatory manner. It is plain under the system, both of which are profoundly oppressive a That is why the NUM has always taken a strong political stance. Our belief is that there needs to be a thorough-going RESTRUCTURING and re-organisation of the mining sector before the goals of our union can be met. The burning issue that threatens progress towards our objectives, however, is the economic crisis in the gold industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Jun 1992
Central committee - Save Jobs - Protect standards
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Feb 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149528 , vital:38861
- Description: It is one year since our last Central Committee.During this period much has happened on the international and domestic front. Yugoslavia remains at war, the United States of America has the first democratic President since Carter and millions of people are starving. It is not only in Somalia that people are starving.Right here at home over two million people are fed by poverty relief programmes. Although we thought that democracy was at hand, it has still eluded us in 1992. The Apartheid government still remains firmly entrenched although the negotiations with the African National Congress show some glimmer that the multilateral negotiations will resume shortly, the establishmant of a transitional government and the holding of the first non-racial national democratic elections by the end of 1993 or early 1994. With the violence still not under control we continue to see our people under siege, families broken up and property destroyed. For peace there must be democracy. Apartheid has left incalculable damage and a legacy that will have to be addressed. As the National Union of Mineworkers we have made and will have to continue to make many sacrifices. 1993 heralds important challenges for our union and the democratic movement as a whole. Central Committee will have to deliberate on these matters and decide the way forward for the coming months.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1993
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Feb 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149528 , vital:38861
- Description: It is one year since our last Central Committee.During this period much has happened on the international and domestic front. Yugoslavia remains at war, the United States of America has the first democratic President since Carter and millions of people are starving. It is not only in Somalia that people are starving.Right here at home over two million people are fed by poverty relief programmes. Although we thought that democracy was at hand, it has still eluded us in 1992. The Apartheid government still remains firmly entrenched although the negotiations with the African National Congress show some glimmer that the multilateral negotiations will resume shortly, the establishmant of a transitional government and the holding of the first non-racial national democratic elections by the end of 1993 or early 1994. With the violence still not under control we continue to see our people under siege, families broken up and property destroyed. For peace there must be democracy. Apartheid has left incalculable damage and a legacy that will have to be addressed. As the National Union of Mineworkers we have made and will have to continue to make many sacrifices. 1993 heralds important challenges for our union and the democratic movement as a whole. Central Committee will have to deliberate on these matters and decide the way forward for the coming months.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1993
Central committee report
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Feb 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149576 , vital:38865
- Description: The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) held a successful 1993 Central Committee (CC) meeting from 11-13 February at CSIR Centre in Pretoria. The CC attended by 300 delegates from the 16 regions of the union representing 280 000 members deliberated key issues affecting workers in mining and energy sectors. With the opening session, the 11th, being the third anniversary of the release of NUM honorary president, Nelson Mandela, the stage was set for tough decisions to be taken on the current political developments in South Africa. NUM president, James Motlatsi outlined general guidelines on major issues affecting workers in his keynote address. Major issues for discussion were: Retrenchments, NUM’s role in the forthcoming national democratic elections, Wages and conditions of employment demands for 1993, Assessment of the state of the NUM. It took delegates three days of serious discussions to come out with decisions which will guide the union in this dynamic period in the history of our country. NUM was honoured to have ANC secretary general, Cyril Ramaphosa as a guest speaker on the current political developments. COSATU general secretary, Jay Naidoo also gave us the honour by giving an invaluable input on the challenges faced by the labour movement today. The CC culminated with a mass rally in Klerksdorp on the 14th February for report back. The CC was held under the theme: Save jobs and protect standards. Forward to democratic elections. Details of CC decisions are given in this report. Please note that this report is not the official record of the CC proceedings but is a summary guide prepared by the NUM media department for the information of members. We suggest you keep it for future reference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1993
- Authors: NUM
- Date: Feb 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149576 , vital:38865
- Description: The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) held a successful 1993 Central Committee (CC) meeting from 11-13 February at CSIR Centre in Pretoria. The CC attended by 300 delegates from the 16 regions of the union representing 280 000 members deliberated key issues affecting workers in mining and energy sectors. With the opening session, the 11th, being the third anniversary of the release of NUM honorary president, Nelson Mandela, the stage was set for tough decisions to be taken on the current political developments in South Africa. NUM president, James Motlatsi outlined general guidelines on major issues affecting workers in his keynote address. Major issues for discussion were: Retrenchments, NUM’s role in the forthcoming national democratic elections, Wages and conditions of employment demands for 1993, Assessment of the state of the NUM. It took delegates three days of serious discussions to come out with decisions which will guide the union in this dynamic period in the history of our country. NUM was honoured to have ANC secretary general, Cyril Ramaphosa as a guest speaker on the current political developments. COSATU general secretary, Jay Naidoo also gave us the honour by giving an invaluable input on the challenges faced by the labour movement today. The CC culminated with a mass rally in Klerksdorp on the 14th February for report back. The CC was held under the theme: Save jobs and protect standards. Forward to democratic elections. Details of CC decisions are given in this report. Please note that this report is not the official record of the CC proceedings but is a summary guide prepared by the NUM media department for the information of members. We suggest you keep it for future reference.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: Feb 1993
IEC CONFERENCE ON PROFIT SHARING
- NUM
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174134 , vital:42445
- Description: At present, profit sharing does not fit into the philosophy of any trade unions in South Africa. It is not a part of the policy of any union I know about. Where profit sharing schemes exist and are accepted by the unions, this is because of special circumstances. This talk is in three parts: First, I will explain where my union, the National Union of Mineworkers, has accepted profit sharing schemes and why it has done so. Secondly, I will outline the different levels of agreements that we have negotiated on profit sharing and the principles we have agreed should govern such schemes Thirdly, I will speak of the implementation of the schemes, and their potential for providing a basis for greater worker participation in the enterprises which have negotiated profit sharing agreements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993
- Authors: NUM
- Date: 1993
- Subjects: NUM
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174134 , vital:42445
- Description: At present, profit sharing does not fit into the philosophy of any trade unions in South Africa. It is not a part of the policy of any union I know about. Where profit sharing schemes exist and are accepted by the unions, this is because of special circumstances. This talk is in three parts: First, I will explain where my union, the National Union of Mineworkers, has accepted profit sharing schemes and why it has done so. Secondly, I will outline the different levels of agreements that we have negotiated on profit sharing and the principles we have agreed should govern such schemes Thirdly, I will speak of the implementation of the schemes, and their potential for providing a basis for greater worker participation in the enterprises which have negotiated profit sharing agreements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1993