ANA reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) will discuss job losses in the industry, the health and safety of workers and corruption at state-owned companies at its national congress next month
The NUM, formed 35 years ago, said on Thursday its 16th congress on 20-22 June would also discuss the government’s decision to sign deals with independent power producers (IPPs) on behalf of Eskom, a move it said amounted to attempts to privatise the state-owned power utility, which would lead to job losses. The government in April signed renewable energy contracts with independent power producers, which it said would unlock R56 billion in investments, but which unions insisted would lead to massive job losses in the coal sector. The NUM also said it was concerned about fatalities in the mining industry, which it blamed on companies’ reckless pursuit of profit.” The union, which is affiliated to labour federation Cosatu, a key ally of the ruling African National Congress, said its congress would also deliberate on what resources it could make available to bolster the ANC’s campaign for next year’s general election.
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