BusinessLive reports that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) says it is against potential job cuts at ferrochrome operations run by mining giants Glencore and Samancor Chrome in SA.

NUM chief negotiator Lefty Mashego indicated: “These proposed job cuts are attributed to economic pressures, notably high electricity tariffs and a decline in ferrochrome prices. The NUM finds this action to be premature and disingenuous. The union, along with government and key stakeholders, including Eskom, is currently in active negotiations to secure a viable solution to the electricity cost challenges. The threat of retrenchment appears to be a coercive tactic designed to gain an advantage in these ongoing talks.”

Mashego said NUM would not tolerate its members being used as “bargaining tools”. He went on to demand that Glencore and Samancor cease using the threat of job losses as leverage and said all stakeholders should focus on finding a collaborative and sustainable solution for the industry. If Glencore and Samancor were no longer able to operate their operations, “we call on them to surrender their mining and operating licences”, said Mashego.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Luyolo Mkentane at BusinessLive

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