Mining Weekly reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has declared a dispute against Evander Gold Mines (EGM), saying the company refused to implement both the voluntary separation package (VSP) and retrenchment agreements.  

EGM is a subsidiary of Pan African Resources (PAR).  The union said in a statement:  “During our engagements with the company, the number of affected employees was reduced from 976 to 650.  With regards to a VSP agreement, there are 656 employees who have applied for VSP but the employer has only approved 154 and denied the rest.  The employer's reasons are not justifiable.”  The NUM also said Evander was refusing to apply avoidance measures as per the retrenchment agreement.  The retrenchment of some 30% of the mine’s employees is aimed at reducing the underground operation’s fixed cost base.  PAR meanwhile said it was adhering strictly to the collective agreement, which was facilitated by the CCMA.

• Read this report in full at Mining Weekly
• Read the NUM’s press statement in this regard at SA Labour News

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page